▲ This file photo, released by Reuters on March 11, 2026, shows cargo ships in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) S Korea-Strait of Hormuz

(LEAD) S. Korea joins 7 countries in leaders' statement on Strait of Hormuz

(ATTN: ADDS details in paras 3, 7-10, byline)

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will join seven countries, including European nations and Japan, in their joint statement condemning Iran's attacks in the Gulf and de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign ministry said Friday.

The joint statement, issued by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada on Thursday, calls on Iran to cease its attacks and attempts to block the strategic waterway and comply with the principle of freedom of navigation.

They also state that they are ready to join efforts to ensure safe passage through the key shipping channel, responsible for 20 percent of global oil and gas supply.

"The decision reflects our fundamental position on the safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation, and consideration of international trends and the direct impact that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have on our energy supply and the economy," the ministry said in a message to media.

"Participation in the joint leaders' statement underscores South Korea's commitment to contributing to international efforts to ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry said.

Seoul will work closely with the international community to help ensure a swift normalization of global maritime logistics networks, it added.

The decision follows Seoul's earlier cautious stance after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to send ships to help keep the area open. But the countries Trump named have remained reluctant to join.

The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said earlier that Seoul was in close talks with Washington and other partner countries over what it can do to help make the region safe and open, in a way that would best serve its national interests.

In a social media post on Friday (U.S. time), Trump called North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies "cowards" that complain about high oil prices but do not want to help open the waterway.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]