Seoul: South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has asserted that any decision to dispatch warships to assist the US naval forces in maintaining the openness of the Strait of Hormuz must receive parliamentary approval. This stance was reported by local media and emphasizes the constitutional and legal requirements for such military actions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Song Eon-seog, the floor leader of the PPP, addressed the gravity of deploying military forces to a region with a significant risk of combat during the party's supreme council meeting. Song emphasized, "This is a matter that requires the National Assembly's approval in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws," as reported by Seoul-based Yonhap News.

The remarks from the opposition come in response to a recent call from US President Donald Trump urging nations like China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to contribute naval forces to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains "open and safe." This call follows Iran's closure of the strait amid escalating tensions caused by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and the retaliatory actions by Tehran.

Song highlighted that deploying the Cheonghae naval unit, which is currently engaged in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, to the Strait of Hormuz would necessitate parliamentary approval. Such a move would represent a significant shift in the unit's mission, requiring careful consideration by the South Korean government.

The South Korean Presidential Office has indicated that it will "carefully" deliberate its response to President Trump's request. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has been in effect since March 1, following joint attacks by Israel and the US on February 28, which resulted in approximately 1,300 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The situation has since intensified with Tehran conducting drone and missile strikes on countries hosting US military assets, leading to further casualties and infrastructure damage.

Before these hostilities, the Strait of Hormuz was a critical passage for around 20 million barrels of oil daily. Its disruption has significantly impacted global oil prices, adding urgency to the international response.