S. Korea in talks with U.S., partners on multiple fronts over its role in Strait of Hormuz: Cheong Wa Dae

▲ This undated file photo shows the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. (Yonhap)

Cheong Wa Dae-Hormuz strait

S. Korea in talks with U.S., partners on multiple fronts over its role in Strait of Hormuz: Cheong Wa Dae

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is in close talks with the United States and other partner countries on "multiple fronts" over its potential contributions to ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a senior presidential official said Friday.

The official's remark came as the U.S. has stepped up its call for allies and partner countries, including South Korea and Japan, to join efforts to keep open the key waterway where 20 percent of global oil and gas pass through.

The shipping channel has effectively been shut down as the war between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran has intensified.

"Regarding the ways for us to contribute in relation to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, we are in close communication with the United States and other key partners and holding consultations with them on multiple fronts," the official said.

"We are seeking a range of options that best serve our national interests," the official said.

The official noted the possibility of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, a scenario that could directly impact South Korea's energy supply if the shipping disruptions persist in the Strait of Hormuz.

As the international community, including the U.N. Security Council, has raised serious concerns over the situation and called for a coordinated response, many countries are reviewing ways to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the official said.

"The safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all countries, as protected under international law," he said. "We hope that global maritime logistics will be swiftly normalized based on these principles."

"We will carefully consider ways to contribute, as we take into account domestic laws and procedures, as well as the readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula," the official added.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on South Korea, Japan and European allies to send ships to help secure the waterway, but the countries have been reluctant to join. In an apparent show of frustration, Trump said days later that the U.S. would no longer need their support.

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