Deployment of Troops to Hormuz Considering the Complex Variables of 'Diplomacy-National Interest-Politics'

Managing Political Risks at Cheongwadae While Gaining Iran Government's Understanding... Troubles of 'Iraq Dispatch' During the Roh Moo-hyun Administration

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in's decision to find a solution for the 'Hormuz dispatch' through the detour of expanding the Cheonghae Unit's operational area is a choice that considers the complex variables of diplomacy, national interest, and politics. It took a stance that responds to the U.S. demand without participating in the U.S.-led Hormuz escort coalition, the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

This is a result of considering the geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for more than 70% of Korea's crude oil imports, as well as diplomatic relations with not only the U.S. but also Iran. Unlike the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which explained the background and meaning of this decision in detail, the Blue House did not hold official or unofficial briefings as a strategic move to control 'political risk.' If the Blue House were to act as a speaker in any form, it could increase the burden.

Earlier, the Blue House discussed solutions for dispatching troops to the Strait of Hormuz centered on the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC held a standing committee meeting on the 16th and stated that it "reviewed measures to secure the safe and free navigation of our vessels."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Compared to the statement after the NSC standing committee on the 9th that "we also reviewed ways to closely cooperate with the international community," this is a more advanced message. Considering the flow of NSC discussions, the general observation is that the situation leaned toward dispatching troops, and there was deliberation over the form and content.

Although the Blue House is reserved in its statements, it is known to have made considerable efforts to seek understanding from the Iranian side. It is said that they sufficiently explained that this choice is not intended to provoke a hostile relationship. Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' on the 22nd and said, "We had a procedure to explain to Iran, and while Iran did not say 'go ahead,' I understand they expressed some level of understanding."

The Blue House's cautious approach to the Hormuz Strait dispatch issue is not unrelated to the internal strife over the 'Iraq dispatch' during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. In October 2003, then-Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Jong-seok opposed the dispatch of combat troops to Iraq and went on a 13-day hunger strike, and there was continued opposition even within the ruling party. The Iraq dispatch issue became a turning point that caused progressive and reform-oriented civic groups, which were favorable to the Roh administration, to turn their backs.

An emergency press conference opposing the U.S. attack on Iran and calling for the suspension of the deployment of South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz is being held on the 9th at Gwanghwamun Square near the U.S. Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The difference between the Iraq dispatch situation and the Hormuz Strait dispatch is that the political opposition is relatively less intense. Except for the Justice Party and the Party for Democracy and Peace, the opposition parties generally show a positive response. Although some civic groups such as People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy issued statements urging the withdrawal of the dispatch decision, the intensity of opposition differs from that during the Iraq dispatch.

However, the reason the Blue House cannot relax its vigilance is that instability in the Middle East continues. Political risks may also change depending on the developments in the 'Middle East powder keg' situation.