South Korea says it will handle Trump’s request for warships in the Strait of Hormuz “very carefully” after sufficient discussions with the US.

SEOUL: South Korea’s Presidential Office stated that a request from US President Donald Trump to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz requires sufficient deliberation between the two allies.

Presidential secretary for public affairs and communications Lee Kyu-yeon made the remarks on Monday, adopting a cautious stance on the issue.

“This is an issue that should be decided after sufficient discussions between South Korea and the US and with adequate time for deliberation, and I understand that the two sides remain in close communication,” Lee said.

He added that the government intends to handle this issue “very carefully” while trying to determine the exact intention behind Trump’s remarks.

Lee noted that Seoul needs to confirm the US government’s official stance before making any decision on a potential formal request.

The statement follows a social media post from Trump urging South Korea and four other nations to send ships to the strategic waterway in response to Iran’s actions.

Cheong Wa Dae said on Sunday it would carefully weigh how to respond, noting that the safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all countries.

 The Sun Malaysia