SerpApi.Org
The United States has not asked Korea to deploy specific military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, the Blue House said Wednesday, pushing back on a report that Washington has recently sought naval support from Seoul amid escalating tensions with Iran.
“The government has not recently received a request from the United States to deploy specific assets in connection with the safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation,” a Blue House official told reporters.
"As we have continued discussions with the United States on relevant areas of cooperation, we are reviewing practical ways to contribute to the freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, taking into account various factors including the Korean Peninsula's readiness posture and procedures under domestic law," the official said.
A media outlet reported Wednesday that the United States was again seeking military support from its allies as its war with Iran, which had appeared to be winding down, has begun escalating toward a full-scale conflict.
The report also said Washington was asking allies to help finance their use of the strait amid concerns that Iran could move to block it again.
BY CHO MUN-GYU [[email protected]]
