South Korea has expressed its willingness to make a substantial contribution to international efforts aimed at maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun conveyed Seoul’s position during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. The two officials discussed maritime security, regional developments and other strategic issues.
Cho urged Washington to maintain close coordination over efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea has ruled out sending combat troops to the waterway but is considering other forms of support for navigation and maritime security.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the US-South Korea alliance. They agreed to continue diplomatic efforts concerning North Korea and support dialogue aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Cho said Seoul was prepared to support US efforts to reopen dialogue with Pyongyang. The discussions also covered South Korean strategic investment projects in the United States. Under a bilateral trade agreement, Seoul has committed to investing $350 billion in the US.
Meanwhile, US military facilities in the Middle East have reportedly suffered significant damage in Iranian attacks. Images reviewed by US media reportedly showed damaged structures and military equipment at several bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
A US military aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was also reportedly damaged during an attack in March. A Pentagon inspector general report said hundreds of buildings and structures had sustained damage since the conflict began.
The US Defence Department has reported American military casualties during the conflict. Officials have said protecting US personnel and facilities remains a priority.
Separately, Iran said diplomatic efforts were continuing to address outstanding issues and revive the Islamabad agreement. Iranian Interior Ministry spokesperson Ali Zeynivand said Tehran expected the other side to honour its commitments under the agreement.
The regional tensions have also coincided with renewed fighting in Yemen. Yemeni government forces reported shooting down a Houthi drone in Al-Jawf and carrying out airstrikes against Houthi positions near Taiz.
Government officials also claimed that forces had recaptured two strategic positions along the Taiz-Lahj front after heavy fighting. The Houthis have not immediately commented on the reported battlefield developments.
Meanwhile, Saudi authorities issued an air raid alert in Riyadh after reports of explosions in the capital. Residents were advised to remain indoors while authorities assessed the aerial threat.
