South Korea is reassessing its potential participation in US-led operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a maritime incident involving one of its cargo vessels, according to a report by Al Arabiya.
An explosion and subsequent fire were reported on Monday aboard the HMM Namu, a South Korean-operated cargo ship sailing under the Panama flag, in the strategically critical waterway. The strait has faced significant disruption since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on February 28.
South Korea’s foreign ministry confirmed that all 24 crew members on board the vessel, including six South Korean nationals, were unharmed. Authorities also stated that the fire has been fully extinguished.
The incident drew a response from Donald Trump, who urged Seoul to join US efforts aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the strait, a key route for global energy supplies vital to South Korea’s economy.
In response, South Korea’s defense ministry said it would “carefully review our position,” without committing to immediate involvement. The ministry noted that any decision would be based on international law, maritime safety considerations, the country’s alliance with the United States, and security conditions on the Korean Peninsula.
Officials added that South Korea is already participating in international discussions focused on maintaining safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The HMM Namu, measuring nearly 180 meters in length, remains a focal point of the incident as investigations continue.
