Seoul affirms intent to help with Strait of Hormuz free passage, US investment pledges

South Korea reaffirmed its willingness to contribute to restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz during talks between Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. President Lee Jae Myung ruled out military deployment to the Middle East but said Seoul is reviewing a greater role in safeguarding navigation. The discussions also covered $350 billion in delayed South Korean investment pledges and North Korea denuclearization. The talks come amid US President Donald Trump's criticism of Seoul over lack of support for pressuring Iran.

South Korea reaffirmed its willingness to make a substantive contribution to restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key Middle Eastern shipping chokepoint, during talks between Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday. The South Korean foreign ministry announced the position on Saturday without elaborating on the specific nature of the contribution. President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday he would not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a way that could draw the country into conflict, but noted Seoul is reviewing whether to play a greater role in safeguarding navigation in the region. The discussions come amid US President Donald Trump's criticism of Seoul over what he described as a lack of support for US efforts to pressure Iran. The talks also addressed $350 billion in South Korean investment pledges under a trade deal reached last year, which have been delayed while procedural issues are clarified. Lee said concerns over commercial viability have become a sticking point, though the two sides are nearing an agreement. Rubio and Cho also reaffirmed commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, amid speculation over a possible summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.