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The United States has ramped up its pressure on Korea to send a naval contingency force to the Middle East to be part of the U.S.-led coalition in the Strait of Hormuz.
Seoul remains well aware of the importance of strengthening its alliance with Washington, but the government appears unable to make a quick decision on this as military tension between the U.S. and Iran escalates further. This follows Iran's retaliatory attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, Wednesday, in the wake of a U.S. airstrike last week that targeted and killed an Iranian general. Participation in any maritime mission in such a climate, could endanger Seoul's ties with Tehran and threaten the safety of Korean residents in Iran.
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| U.S. ambassador to Korea Harry Harris / Korea Times file |
"I would hope that Korea will send forces out there," Harris said in an interview with local broadcaster KBS, Tuesday, noting that Seoul gets so much of its oil from the Middle East.
Harris added that the U.S. was waiting on the Korean government's decision on whether to send forces there, and if it did would welcome it irrespective of the scale.
Early Wednesday morning, hours after Harris' interview was aired, Iran launched missiles at two Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops in retaliation for last week's killing of General Qassem Soleimani who commanded the Quds force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The foreign ministry said Wednesday, it had made no decision on the issue.
"In response to the U.S. request, Korea has considered broadening the operational areas of that Cheonghae Unit, which is expected to assume the role in safeguarding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. However, the situation has completely changed due to the Iranian attack on U.S. bases," said Park Won-gon, a professor of international politics at Handong Global University.
The Cheonghae unit is engaged in an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia.
"As a result, the government will be in dilemma over whether to dispatch military forces. Under the mutual defense treaty between Seoul and Washington, Korea would be pressured to send forces there to help its alliance partner under attack and if we don't accept the U.S. request, the bilateral alliance is likely to be damaged," Park said.
"However, if we participate in the maritime operation, it will inevitably lead to joining the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which is likely to turn into a full-scale war."
He added: "Korea is in the position of facing entrapment or abandonment by the United States."
Chung Eui-yong, President Moon Jae-in's top national security adviser, arrived in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, for three-way talks with the U.S. and Japan, and he is anticipated to face U.S. questions on the subject.
"The U.S. can urge Korea to send military forces more aggressively than before," Park said.
In response to the Iran crisis, the government said it is closely watching developments in the Middle East following the Iranian missile response.
"The presidential office is receiving real-time reports and closely monitoring the current situation," Cheong Wa Dae spokeswoman Ko Min-jung said.
A defense ministry official said, "We have been exchanging related information with the U.S. Defense Department. We have kept a close watch on how things are developing."
Top military officials, including Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Park Han-ki, held an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.
