Seoul affirms intent to help with Strait of Hormuz free passage, US investment pledges

South Korea reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz during talks between Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. While President Lee Jae Myung stated South Korea would not deploy military assets that could lead to conflict, Seoul is reviewing a greater role in regional navigation. The two nations also discussed finalizing $350 billion in South Korean investments pledged under a trade deal, with Rubio emphasizing swift execution and Cho noting procedural delays. They further committed to collaboration in strategic sectors like semiconductors and reaffirmed their dedication to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, with Seoul supporting the resumption of Washington-Pyongyang talks.