South Korea is reportedly mulling a military role in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, a move that would bolster Washington's efforts to rally allies against Tehran on both financial and military fronts.
The government will weigh the decision against military readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal requirements, the Korean Herald reported Friday.
Seoul is considering a broad range of potential contributions to securing the strategic waterway, including combat, noncombat, and search operations, according to the report. Officials stressed that even deploying just one or two service members overseas would legally qualify as a "troop deployment" under the Constitution, regardless of whether they engage in combat.
"Nothing has been decided, but we are continuing to review the options," an official told the publication.
EU Backs Trump's Iran Pressure Campaign
The Trump administration launched "Operation Economic Outcast" in late August, targeting Iran's access to digital assets, advanced technology, gold, commercial aviation, and shipping.
On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent applauded the EU's decision, expressing gratitude for their "strong and early stance" in a post on X. "The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime," he wrote.
Bessent's comments came as Washington sought broader international support for its campaign to isolate Tehran. At the G20 finance gathering, Bessent pressed other countries to back the U.S. effort, warning that nations continuing to do business with Iran could face exclusion from the dollar-based financial system.
His remarks followed Brussels' Aug. 31 endorsement of efforts to curb Tehran's "destabilizing activities" and restart peace talks, including through the U.S.-led "Operation Economic Outcast," which aims to increase economic pressure on Iran. The EU's support came as G20 finance ministers and central bank governors met in Asheville, North Carolina.
Trump Cuts Drills, Seoul Seeks Talks
Last month, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korea military exercises, also known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, citing their high cost, his reportedly good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korea's refusal to join U.S. efforts against Iran.
Critics warned that scaling back the drills could weaken allied readiness against North Korea.
South Korea later backed Trump's efforts to revive talks with North Korea but insisted that any renewed dialogue must produce progress on denuclearization without weakening Seoul's security posture. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Seoul wants close coordination with Washington and does not want to be sidelined.
