Ahn Cheol-soo calls for Hormuz Strait deployment to rebuild ROK-US alliance

South Korean lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party has called for the deployment of troops to the Hormuz Strait to strengthen the ROK-US alliance and ensure energy security. Ahn argued that the government should initiate parliamentary consent procedures for deployment, provided that troop safety and clear mission scopes are established.

Ahn noted that South Korea's high dependence on oil transport through the Hormuz Strait makes the issue an existential matter for the nation's energy sovereignty. He suggested that moving the alliance from a state of dependence to one of mutual contribution could serve as leverage in negotiations for nuclear-powered submarine construction and expanded rights regarding uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing.

The lawmaker also criticized the current administration's delayed response to geopolitical shifts, noting that passive stances could lead to economic and trade pressures. He referenced concerns regarding US administration policies and the potential for reduced joint military exercises if South Korea does not increase its military contributions.