FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East

▲ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a National Assembly session on March 17, 2026. (Yonhap)

FM-Hormuz Strait

FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sidestepped questions Tuesday on whether the United States had formally asked South Korea to deploy warships to the Middle East as Seoul faces pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump urged allies to send naval vessels to protect the Strait of Hormuz.

Cho gave vague answers during a parliamentary session when asked by lawmakers if the government had received any formal or informal request from Washington about sending troops to the region to aid U.S. military actions against Iran.

"It may or may not be considered a request," Cho said at the National Assembly. "As for whether there have been discussions with the U.S. about troop deployment itself, it is difficult for me to comment at this time."

Trump renewed his call Monday (U.S. time) for South Korea, Japan and other allies and partners whose "economies depend on" the vital waterway to join U.S. efforts to keep the shipping route open, saying the U.S. has long provided security protection to those countries.

Trump's remarks were seen as reinforcing pressure on allies and partners to help his country secure the strait. Trump said he wants to see how countries "react" to the U.S. request.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio apparently echoed the call during his phone talks with Cho late Monday, highlighting the importance of cooperation to ensure security in the strait and stabilize the global economy and international oil prices, the foreign ministry said earlier.

Lawmakers from rival parties voiced concern that Seoul could be pressured to join the war against Iran, risking its economy heavily dependent on oil imports from the region. They said any potential U.S. request to deploy troops or naval vessels should require parliamentary approval under the Constitution.

"My clear position is to maintain a certain degree of ambiguity externally while, internally, acting in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws, keeping foremost in mind the national interest and the safety of our people," Cho said.

He said he is likely to meet one-on-one with Rubio for further discussions in Paris next week, where he has been invited to attend the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting.

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