In the event of a decision to deploy troops, 3 types of units would be active in the operation: a patrol aircraft, a transport vessel and a vessel intended to detect and neutralise marine mines. The South Korean authorities were already to consult the United States, the United Kingdom and France on this matter.
However, the final decision requires a number of conditions to be met. president Lee Jae Myung's typical told Reuters that it would be essential to check national government beforehand and to measure whether part of South Korean forces could be safely transferred outside the Korean Peninsula. It is besides crucial that the abroad usage of South Korean troops requires the approval of the parliament.
Politics towards the US
The case took on additional importance after U.S. president Donald Trump's statement, which in the August social media entry stated that 1 of the reasons for limiting joint U.S. and South Korea military exercises was Seoul's refusal to give support to Washington during the conflict with Iran.
The possible engagement of South Korean troops is besides interpreted by any experts as part of the United States policy. Ban Kil-joo, prof. of the Korean National Diplomatic Academy, estimates that sending forces to the Ormuzu area would supply a clear signal of readiness for Seoul to cooperate more closely with the US administration. In his opinion, specified a decision could at the same time aid South Korea to reduce the risks associated with the functioning of the alliance with the United States and to strengthen its position as 1 of Washington's key and credible partners, especially erstwhile the American administration expects greater commitment from allies.
Similarly, retired general Chun In-bum, a erstwhile South Korean force commander. In his opinion, maintaining an open way through the Strait of Ormuz is crucial for Seoul due to strong economical ties between South Korea and the region and its trade routes. For this reason, it could be in the economical interest of the country to participate in measures to guarantee the safety of shipping.
Iran-Korea Relations
Recall that in March, Iranian ambassador to Seoul Said Kuzechi pointed out that Tehran did not treat South Korea as an enemy state. During a press conference held at the Iranian embassy in Seoul, he stressed that the Iranian authorities were affirmative about the restraint of the South Korean side. The main point was that Seoul did not choose to take part in the actions against Iran initiated by the US administration.
