# South Korean military involvement in Strait of Hormuz > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-military-involvement-in-strait-of-hormuz > Updated: 2026-09-10T21:10:11.000Z. Sources: 116. Developments: 5. South Korea is evaluating potential military contributions to the Strait of Hormuz to support freedom of navigation following maritime escalations involving Iranian forces. While the presidential office has maintained that “nothing has been decided yet,” the government is reviewing options including the deployment of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, EOD teams, and naval support ships. A government fact-finding team, comprising officials from the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has returned from the United Arab Emirates after assessing regional security conditions, military bases, and logistical capabilities. During a state visit to Paris, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed cooperation regarding security and freedom of navigation in the strait. The leaders agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure the stability of global supply chains and maritime security. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac clarified that these discussions did not involve the deployment of troops, noting that Seoul remains in a review stage regarding its contributions. The waterway is economically critical for South Korea, accounting for 61 percent of its crude oil imports and 54 percent of its naphtha imports last year. Diplomatic tensions remain high. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun recently held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing that the “free and safe passage of all vessels, including South Korean ships, must be guaranteed.” Iran has warned that any South Korean military presence in the Gulf would be viewed as “support for U.S. aggression” and would lead to “serious consequences.” Domestic opposition also continues, with various groups criticizing potential involvement. ## Claims - A March poll by Gallup Korea showed 55 percent of respondents opposed sending South Korean warships to the Strait of Hormuz. (disputed by 2 sources) - 45% of South Korean respondents oppose deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz. (disputed by 2 sources) - The South Korean government has not made a final decision regarding a military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. (corroborated by 34 sources) - Local media reports suggest South Korea is preparing to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz before the end of the year. (corroborated by 30 sources) - Options under review for South Korean contribution include maritime patrol aircraft, logistics support vessels, or mine detection and clearance units. (corroborated by 29 sources) - Any potential deployment must account for domestic legal procedures, military readiness on the Korean Peninsula, and parliamentary approval. (corroborated by 27 sources) - U.S. President Donald Trump stated he reduced joint military exercises with South Korea because the country declined to assist in the conflict against Iran. (corroborated by 26 sources) - South Korea is discussing practical ways to contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with the international community. (corroborated by 19 sources) - South Korea has dispatched an inspection team to assess the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The inspection team traveled to the United Arab Emirates and is expected to return to South Korea this week. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Iran warned that any South Korean military participation in the Gulf would be viewed as support for U.S. aggression and would have serious consequences. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: South Korea and Iran discuss Strait of Hormuz deployment amid regional tensions South Korean and Iranian foreign ministers discussed the Strait of Hormuz via phone as Seoul considers potential military deployment following U.S. pressure, amid domestic protests and Iranian warnings. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-and-iran-ministers-discuss-strait-of-hormuz-security ### 2026-09-08: South Korea and France seek cooperation on Strait of Hormuz security South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to coordinate on maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during a summit in Paris. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-and-south-korea-pledge-cooperation-on-strait-of-hormuz-security ### 2026-09-08: South Korea evaluates Hormuz security amid US pressure and Iranian warnings South Korea is weighing potential military or technical support for the Strait of Hormuz amid US pressure and Iranian warnings of grave consequences. A fact-finding team has returned from the UAE. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-dispatches-team-to-assess-strait-of-hormuz-security ### 2026-09-05: United States pressures South Korea over Hormuz Strait and Ukraine aid The U.S. is pressuring South Korea to deploy resources to the Hormuz Strait and has suggested the sale of South Korean missile systems to Ukraine to bolster allied contributions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-pressures-south-korea-over-hormuz-strait-and-ukraine-aid ### 2026-09-03: South Korea weighs military role in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions South Korea is considering military support in the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian attacks on US-linked vessels. Iran has warned that South Korean involvement would be seen as direct aggression. 89 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-considers-military-deployment-to-strait-of-hormuz --- Cite as: South Korean military involvement in Strait of Hormuz. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-military-involvement-in-strait-of-hormuz