US Department of Defense Welcomes South Korea's Independent Deployment to the Hormuz Strait

Expressing troop dispatch as support... "Helps ensure freedom of navigation," evaluation
Iran expresses concerns

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Department of Defense has expressed its welcome regarding South Korea's decision to independently dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz.

On the 21st (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense stated in relation to South Korea's decision to independently deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz, "We welcome our ally South Korea, which supports the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Middle East."

David Eastburn, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, responded to inquiries about the South Korean government's decision to expand the operational scope of the Cheonghae Unit deployed in the Gulf of Aden by saying, "This is an international issue that requires an international solution."

This is interpreted as the U.S. government expressing sufficient welcome despite South Korea deciding on an independent dispatch rather than participating in the international defense coalition requested by the U.S. side. The U.S. side gave significance to South Korea's independent dispatch by using the term "support."

However, it is known that Iran has expressed concerns about the South Korean government's decision. A Foreign Ministry official said, "We informed Iran of the government's decision in advance through diplomatic channels last weekend," adding that Iran conveyed its concerns.