The Korea Times
The U.S. is increasing its pressure on Korea to participate in its operations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following what it claims was an Iranian attack on a Korean-operated ship. While Korea has been committed to making “practical contribution” to ensuring maritime security in the strait, it is taking a cautious approach since joining the U.S.-led military operations could be seen as an involvement in the war. Cheong Wa Dae said it is reviewing whether to join Washington's “Project Freedom,” an operation aimed at guiding stranded ships safely out of the key waterway. "The government holds the principle that safety at international maritime passage and free navigation meets all nations' common interest and should be protected according to the international law," Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement. "We are reviewing the U.S. proposal about the Strait of Hormuz based on the principle, the military readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula and domestic laws. About Project Freedom, Korea and the U.S. have been closely communicating for safe use of key water
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