South Korea is preparing a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is reportedly preparing for the possible deployment of a support vessel, a maritime patrol aircraft and approximately 150 military personnel to the Strait of Hormuz, according to local media. The reports come amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on Seoul to support the U.S. campaign against Iran and contribute to navigation security in the region.

Sources cited by Chosun Ilbo claim that South Korean officials are preparing to seek parliamentary approval, and that the government could submit a motion this month. SBS television reports that Seoul is discussing ports of call and a base for the planned operations with other countries.

However, South Korea’s presidential office described reports of an imminent deployment as inaccurate and said that no decision had been made. Seoul says it is examining ways to contribute to restoring freedom of navigation and stability in the Middle East without affecting its ability to respond on the Korean Peninsula.

A possible mission would mark a significant shift for South Korea, after Trump reduced the scale of joint military exercises and a landing exercise scheduled for this month was canceled.