ROK Military Officials Say It Would Take Months to Deploy Countermine Ship to the Strait of Hormuz
This is the excuse the ROK appears to be going with on why they can’t help open the Strait of Hormuz:
Should Korea decide to send a mine countermeasure vessel to the Strait of Hormuz, just reaching the area could take three months or longer, military officials said, highlighting the operational challenges facing any potential naval deployment.
Officials familiar with the matter said that even if a decision is made, the timeline and preparation for getting assets into position would be shaped not only by the challenges of transit, but also by the difficulties of moving vessels through a high-risk environment.
While some have raised the possibility of redirecting the Cheonghae Unit — currently operating in the Gulf of Aden — to the Hormuz mission, the unit is not equipped with the mine-sweeping helicopters needed to safely operate in a mine-threat environment. Deploying a dedicated mine countermeasure vessel or an Aegis destroyer from a Korean port would therefore require a separate deployment process.
You can read more at the link, but if the ROK wanted to support Trump they would find a way to do it. The easiest way would be to say we can’t provide a countermine ship, but we can redeploy a ship on the anti-piracy mission to link up with U.S. Navy countermine ships to help patrol the Strait.
I have more respect for nations that just say participating in this war is not in their national interest. With UAE announcing that Korea is now their number one priority to export oil to there is no need for Korea to get involved in this.
@GIKorea
Your mine countermeasures ships have been redeployed to Malaysia from the Middle East.
https://www.twz.com/sea/u-s-navy-minesweepers-assigned-to-middle-east-have-been-moved-to-pacific
Since the United States—under President Trump—has withdrawn mine-hunting ships from the Middle East, it raises a fundamental question: what mine hunting ships are there for Korea to “link up and patrol the Strait”?
And pray tell how does GIKorea expect three to four ships to take on the missile and drone swarms of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard?
Moreover, why should Korea be asked to help protect the Strait of Hormuz if the United States itself appears unwilling to maintain its commitment there?
It is also important to note that many of the current tensions in the Middle East stem from irrational decisions made by the Trump administration. Given that context, it would be reasonable to expect the United States to take primary responsibility for addressing and resolving the consequences of those actions.
Another illogical rant from @GIKorea and proof that Koreans should take active measures against the enemies of the Korean people, @GIKorea and @setnaffa.
“Moreover, why should Korea be asked to help protect the Strait of Hormuz if the United States itself appears unwilling to maintain its commitment there?”
Let’s compare how much oil Korea and America export versus how much they rely on oil that passes through Hormuz.
Also, America committed to removing Iran’s nuclear program, missile program, navy, and air force with a strong secondary goal of regime change. America made no “commitment” to protect Asian oil prices.
But, Korea’s solution is pretty good… secure a supply of oil and stick Japan and China with the problem.
Trump approves.
@Korean Person, you know what is passing through the Strait of Malacca right now?:
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/03/18/uss-tripoli-to-pass-through-melaka-straits-en-route-to-middle-east
It makes sense the minesweepers were sent to link up with the Tripoli before approaching the Strait of Hormuz. These IRGC guys firing anti-ship missiles along the Strait of Hormuz are about to find out it is a whole lot harder trying to fire missiles at a MEU than a merchant ship that can’t fight back. The Strait will be open soon and the real question will be if the U.S. gives back Qeshm island after the Marines seize it?
I’m reminded of a Dilbert cartoon on oil and the definition of “fungible”.
When Iran mines the gulf, every nation that depends on oil is impacted either directly or indirectly.