"Nothing Decided Yet on Hormuz Deployment"... Pan-Ruling Bloc Faces "Backlash"

[Anchor]

It has been learned that our military has prepared a deployment plan of about 150 personnel to the Strait of Hormuz, including a naval vessel and an explosive ordnance disposal team. While the government is showing a cautious response, saying nothing has been decided yet and deepening its deliberations, a backlash is emerging from within the pan-ruling camp.

For our first news report, here is reporter Kim Hye-young.

[Reporter]

The deployment plan for the Strait of Hormuz prepared by our military involves sending one P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, one logistics support ship, and one explosive ordnance disposal team.

The total dispatched personnel is approximately 150.

A key official from the Ministry of National Defense told SBS, "Which patrol aircraft and which support ship to deploy have already been decided."

However, the operational base has not yet been determined.

A high-ranking military official stated, "It must be a location outside of Iran's attack range yet close to the Strait of Hormuz operational zone," adding, "We are selecting countries that meet the conditions."

However, a final decision at the government level has not yet been made.

A high-ranking official at the presidential office stated yesterday (the 4th), "Substantial contribution in the Strait of Hormuz also includes military contribution," adding, "We have room to maneuver within a range that does not cause significant damage to the Korean Peninsula's readiness posture."

While leaving open the possibility of deployment, the official emphasized, "We are at the stage of reviewing various options such as combat, non-combat, and search," and "Nothing has been decided yet."

President Lee Jae-myung also reportedly met with civic group representatives yesterday and emphasized the necessity of securing safe navigation for our merchant ships, while stating, "Nothing has progressed yet."

While some inside and outside the government speculate that supporting Hormuz could become a breakthrough for South Korea-U.S. relations, backlash is already arising from some members of the pan-ruling block.

Representative Lee Ki-heon, a former presidential secretary under the Moon Jae-in administration, stated, "Even if it is a non-combat force, its essence is clearly 'participation in war,'" and added, "If a request for consent to the deployment comes to the National Assembly, I will not consent." Rebuilding Korea Party floor leader Kim Jun-hyung said, "Deployment is a line that must never be crossed."

The government's deliberation is deepening as it must take care of South Korea-U.S. relations and the safety of our merchant ships while also considering the military and political burdens accompanying the deployment.

(Video reporting: Jung Sang-bo, Kim Hyun-sang | Video editing: Choi Jin-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.