South Korea's foreign ministry announced Friday it will join a joint statement by seven countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada, condemning Iran's attacks in the Gulf and de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement calls on Iran to cease its actions and respect freedom of navigation. Seoul cited safety of sea lanes and impacts on its energy supply.
South Korea's foreign ministry announced on March 21, 2026, that it will join a leaders' joint statement issued the previous day (Thursday) by seven countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada. The statement condemns Iran's attacks in the Gulf and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, urging Iran to cease its attacks and attempts to block the strategic waterway and to comply with the principle of freedom of navigation. The seven countries stated they are ready to join efforts to ensure safe passage through the key shipping channel, which handles 20 percent of global oil and gas supply. In a message to media, the ministry said: 'The decision reflects our fundamental position on the safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation, and consideration of international trends and the direct impact that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have on our energy supply and the economy.' It added: 'Participation in the joint leaders' statement underscores South Korea's commitment to contributing to international efforts to ensure safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.' Seoul will work closely with the international community to help ensure a swift normalization of global maritime logistics networks. The decision follows Seoul's earlier cautious stance after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to send ships to keep the area open. The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said it was in close talks with Washington and other partners on actions serving national interests. In a social media post on Friday (U.S. time), Trump called North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies 'cowards' for complaining about high oil prices but not helping to open the waterway.
