South Korean officials announced Wednesday they have halted their evaluation of joining a U.S. naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump suspended the operation.
The decision follows uncertainty about whether a South Korean vessel that exploded and caught fire on Monday was the target of an attack in the crucial shipping lane, according to Seoul’s presidential office.
Trump had previously called on South Korea to participate in his “Project Freedom” operation designed to protect shipping routes, alleging that Iran had fired upon the Korean-operated vessel and other ships as the U.S. began its mission to secure the strait.
“After checking additional information, it seems to be unclear whether the vessel was attacked,” stated Wi Sung-lac, South Korea’s presidential national security adviser, during a press briefing.
Wi reported that the ship appeared stable after the blaze, which began in the engine compartment and was put out several hours later. All 24 crew members escaped without injury.
HMM, the South Korean shipping company operating the vessel, announced Wednesday it had arranged for another ship to pull the Panama-registered bulk carrier to Dubai’s port for examination.
The damaged vessel is scheduled to reach Dubai either Thursday evening or Friday morning, according to Korean time, the company stated.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical passage for approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during typical operations.
While South Korea has maintained a careful stance regarding direct involvement in Middle Eastern tensions, the presidential Blue House indicated Tuesday it was considering Trump’s request to join the navigation security effort.
Trump subsequently announced he would temporarily halt the mission, referencing “great progress” in negotiations toward a broader deal with Iran.
“We don’t believe a review of Trump’s call to participate in Project Freedom is needed at this point,” Wi explained.
The advisor noted that Seoul was already evaluating a separate U.S. proposal to participate in an international maritime security framework known as the Maritime Freedom Construct.
“Freedom of navigation and international safety is important to us,” Wi emphasized, adding that Seoul would continue monitoring global developments in this area while determining future participation.
South Korean authorities have reported that 26 vessels flying the country’s flag remain stranded in waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
