RismadarVoice Reporters
September 8, 2026
South Korea has sent an inspection team to the United Arab Emirates to assess security conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, but the government has not made any decision on deploying troops to the region, the country’s Defence Ministry said.
The team departed over the weekend and is expected to return soon after evaluating the security environment around the strategic waterway, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported, citing defence officials.
The move follows discussions in Seoul over possible measures to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. The presidential office previously said the government was reviewing options, including potential military measures, but denied reports that a deployment decision had already been made.
The assessment comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans in August to reduce certain joint military exercises with South Korea, partly due to Seoul’s decision not to support Washington in its conflict with Iran.
Iran has warned against any South Korean military presence in the Gulf region, saying participation in operations around the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as support for what it described as U.S. aggression and could result in serious consequences.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant share of global oil supplies passing through the narrow waterway.
South Korean officials said the inspection was intended to gather information on the security situation and does not represent a final decision on military involvement.
