(EDITORIAL from The Korea Herald on March 17) | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK Trump's Hormuz request Allies asked to send warships to strait; balanced, strategic decision required U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post Saturday that "hopefully" South Korea, China, France, Japan and the U.K. will send ships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe. In 2020, when tensions between the United States and Iran escalated, Seoul expanded the operational scope of the Cheonghae Unit from the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Hormuz to escort South Korean vessels. Regarding the request to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, the government said it would maintain close communication with the United States and make a decision upon careful consideration.

## Article Content
Facebook
X
More
Pinterest
Linked in
Tumblr
Reddit
Facebook Messenger
Copy URL
URL is copied.
OK
Trump's Hormuz request
Allies asked to send warships to strait; balanced, strategic decision required
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post Saturday that "hopefully" South Korea, China, France, Japan and the U.K. will send ships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe. In effect, he was urging them to dispatch naval vessels to escort tankers through the strait.
In a separate post, he said that the countries that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage. In other words, countries that benefit from shipping through the strait should contribute to security in the Middle East.
This request presents the Korean government with a difficult choice.
In reality, the government would find it difficult to turn down President Trump's request. If the demand is met with a cold shoulder, the Korea-US alliance could, above all, be shaken, potentially undermining deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat. It could also have a negative impact on tariff and other trade issues, as well as its negotiations with the United States over the cost of stationing U.S. Forces Korea.
About 70 percent of South Korea's crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. If the war drags on and the strait remains blocked as it is now, the concern will extend beyond soaring oil prices to the possibility of disruptions to the oil supply itself. This underscores the need for Korea to ensure stable transport of energy resources such as crude oil, the lifeblood of the entire industrial sector.
The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz has escalated to the point where even U.S. warships face threats. Pushing South Korean destroyers into waters off Iran could expose them to the risk of attack. Deep involvement in US-led military operations could also rupture South Korea's relations with Iran, potentially jeopardizing its energy security.
In 2020, when tensions between the United States and Iran escalated, Seoul expanded the operational scope of the Cheonghae Unit from the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Hormuz to escort South Korean vessels.
At the time, the government tried to minimize a deterioration in relations with Tehran by carrying out the mission independently rather than as part of the U.S.-requested coalition.
South Korea currently has its Cheonghae naval unit in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations.
Although the U.S. and Iran were not in a state of war at the time, the decision to extend the unit's mission area reflected economic and security considerations, with national interests given top priority.
Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Seoul addressed Washington's request for combat troops by sending the Zaytun Unit to the Irbil region some 18 months later, focusing on peacekeeping operations such as reconstruction and humanitarian aid.
Regarding the request to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, the government said it would maintain close communication with the United States and make a decision upon careful consideration.
There will be many factors to consider, including the need to safeguard energy security, South Korea's role as a US ally, domestic public opinion, the safety of Koreans and relations with Iran.
The immediate priority is to determine exactly what Trump is asking for.
With the possibility of forming a multinational force being raised, South Korea needs to closely monitor the moves of friendly countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Japan.
On March 9, French President Emmanuel Macron said that European and non-European countries should prepare a "purely escort mission," adding that its purpose is "to enable the escort of container ships and tankers as soon as possible after the most intense phase of the conflict has ended."
In other words, deployment would occur only when personnel safety can be assured.
The government must seek a balanced strategic decision that weighs the Korea-U.S. alliance alongside national interests, public safety and relations with Iran.
(END)
Keywords
#dailies-editorials
Articles with issue keywords
Most Liked
(News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats
16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life
BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones
(2nd LD) N. Korea fires ballistic missiles as S. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills
BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release
Most Saved
16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life
(2nd LD) N. Korea fires ballistic missiles as S. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills
(LEAD) N. Korea fires projectile as S. Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills
S. Korea, U.S. hold joint river-crossing drills amid N. Korea's missile firing
(2nd LD) N. Korean leader's sister warns of 'terrible consequences' amid S. Korea-U.S. military drills
prev
(EDITORIAL from The Kor

---

## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- In other words, countries that benefit from shipping through the strait should contribute to security in the Middle East.

### Areas for Consideration
- This request presents the Korean government with a difficult choice.
- In reality, the government would find it difficult to turn down President Trump's request.
- If the demand is met with a cold shoulder, the Korea-US alliance could, above all, be shaken, potentially undermining deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat.

### Implications
- President Donald Trump said in a social media post Saturday that "hopefully" South Korea, China, France, Japan and the U.K. will send ships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe.
- In other words, countries that benefit from shipping through the strait should contribute to security in the Middle East.
- If the demand is met with a cold shoulder, the Korea-US alliance could, above all, be shaken, potentially undermining deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threat.
- It could also have a negative impact on tariff and other trade issues, as well as its negotiations with the United States over the cost of stationing U.S.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, strait, south topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 812.