Commentary: What South Korea’s belated participation in the ‘Hormuz coalition’ reveals

Iran’s blockade of the waterway has disrupted fuel supplies, with Asian countries bearing the brunt because of their dependence on Middle East oil. On Mar 14, United States President Donald Trump called on countries, including US allies Japan and South Korea, to send ships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite initial resistance, seven countries issued a joint statement on Mar 19 expressing their “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.