South Korea is preparing to deploy troops to Hormuz — Reuters

South Korea is preparing to send troops to Hormuz — Reuters

South Korea is preparing to mobilize its military forces to ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and plans to deploy them by the end of 2026. Reuters reported this on September 3, citing government and military sources.

According to information circulated in several South Korean publications, the government is preparing for the process of obtaining parliamentary approval to send the military. After the Cabinet of Ministers reviews it in September, a corresponding proposal will be submitted to the parliament.

According to reports, the government is considering options to send a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support ship, or a minesweeping unit. South Korea has also discussed the scale and nature of this assistance with countries such as the US, the UK, and France.

The South Korean presidential administration (Blue House) stated that Seoul has discussed practical ways to contribute to the safety of shipping in the strait. However, it also added that reports of the government reaching a final decision on sending the military do not correspond to reality.

US President Donald Trump scaled back joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea in August. He cited South Korea's refusal to assist the US in a war against Iran as the reason for this.