South Korea has not decided whether to send troops to the Strait of Hormuz, as the government reviews a U.S. request to do so, according to Jiemian News. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on September 11 for 10 to 15 minutes, with both sides outlining their positions on the regional situation.
Cho said South Korea attaches importance to restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible and hopes for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. He also said South Korea has consistently supported the free and safe passage of all ships through the strait and will continue to take part in international efforts to secure that freedom. Araghchi said the current Middle East tensions stem from attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and that Iran is responding to defend its territory and sovereignty. South Korea's vice defense minister Lee Doo-hee said on September 10 that the government was still weighing national security and economic interests before making any decision on troop deployment.