Original Source

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek stated there has been no official request from the U.S. for naval deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that President Trump's social media messages are not considered official requests.

No Official Request for Hormuz Deployment

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek announced on March 17 during a National Assembly Defense Committee session that there has been no official request from the United States for the dispatch of warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Regarding Donald Trump's request for naval deployment via social media, he stated, "A message left on social media is not considered an official request."

Emphasizing Dispatch Standards and Parliamentary Consent

Minister Ahn mentioned that internal reviews are underway for a potential official request, but the details are not yet public. He defined an official request as involving document reception or direct consultation between the defense ministers of both countries. He stressed that deployment to the Strait of Hormuz is different from the Cheonghae Unit's mission in the Gulf of Aden, stating it would be decided based on "national interest, public safety, and the Constitution and laws," thus requiring "parliamentary consent."

*Source: YouTube: JTBC News (2026-03-17)*

Related Articles