South Korea has made no decision on a possible deployment of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told his Iranian counterpart Friday, officials said. That is the change since the paper’s September coverage, which found authority over a Gulf safe route unsettled. [E4]
An earlier Korea Times report said options discussed within and outside the military included P-8A Poseidon maritime-patrol aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance and explosive-ordnance personnel for mine-clearing. [E3]
Reuters reported that National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac told a parliamentary audit that Seoul was discussing possible contributions with Washington, including a maritime-patrol aircraft, while ruling out a combat deployment. [E1] [E2]