According to South Korean media reports, South Korean Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jeong Bin-na stated at a regular press conference on the 7th regarding the issue of troop deployment that the government is maintaining communication with the international community, including the United States, to discuss contribution plans aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. However, no specific details have been finalized. It is noteworthy that the South Korean Ministry of National Defense hinted at some progress on the troop deployment issue last week, only to shift to a cautious stance within a week. Analysts believe this is related to the recent resurgence of armed conflict between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as opposition within the ruling party. The government needs parliamentary approval to deploy troops overseas, but given the lack of consensus within the ruling party on the issue, coupled with the tight parliamentary schedule including State Councilor personnel hearings and government audits, it is unlikely that a motion for troop deployment will be submitted to the parliament this month.
However, the issue of troop deployment will directly affect South Korea-US affairs such as nuclear submarine fuel negotiations and the transfer of operational control, making it difficult for the government to make a decision based solely on public opinion. US President Trump recently publicly criticized South Korea for "lacking contribution" and even instructed a reduction in theater-level joint South Korea-US military exercises. It is understood that, under these circumstances, the government reiterated its position that it is "considering a substantial contribution plan" while maintaining strategic communication with the United States, the United Kingdom, France and other countries to discuss the issue of sending troops to Hormuz.
