FM Cho, Rubio hold phone talks on Middle East issues | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz is an issue that needs sufficient deliberation between the two nations, noting the government intends to handle it "very carefully." Trump had urged South Korea and four other countries to send ships against Iran's attempt to close the waterway. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose for a photo during their talks in Washington on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #FM #Rubio #Middle East Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N. Korea weighs Trump's ship request with careful consideration (LEAD) Trump says trip to China might be delayed, calls on Beijing to help unblock Hormuz Strait: report (3rd LD) 'KPop Demon Hunters' wins Oscars for best animated feature, original song (LEAD) N. Korea holds parliamentary elections prev FM Cho, Rubio hold phone talks on Middle East issues Next FM Cho, Rubio hold phone talks on Middle East issues

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SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held phone talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing current issues in the Middle East, the ministry said Monday.
The talks were held at the request of the U.S. State Department, it added.
Explaining the situation in the Middle East, Rubio asked for support and interest in efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, the ministry said.
Rubio also stressed the importance of global cooperation to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz for the global economy and to stabilize oil prices, and called for close consultation between the two allies, according to the ministry.
Cho expressed gratitude to the United States for helping South Korea evacuate its nationals in the region and sought Washington's continued support in the matter. Rubio confirmed U.S. support, according to the ministry.
The two agreed to meet soon for in-depth discussions on global cooperation and pending issues between the two allies.
Earlier in the day, Cheong Wa Dae said U.S. President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz is an issue that needs sufficient deliberation between the two nations, noting the government intends to handle it "very carefully."
Trump had urged South Korea and four other countries to send ships against Iran's attempt to close the waterway.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose for a photo during their talks in Washington on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr
(END)
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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz is an issue that needs sufficient deliberation between the two nations, noting the government intends to handle it "very carefully." Trump had urged South Korea and four other countries to send ships against Iran's attempt to close the waterway.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose for a photo during their talks in Washington on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #FM #Rubio #Middle East Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose for a photo during their talks in Washington on Aug. 22, 2025, in this file photo provided by the foreign ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) jaeyeon.woo@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #FM #Rubio #Middle East Articles with issue keywords Most Liked (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.
- Korea, U.S. conduct joint drills (LEAD) N.
- Korea weighs Trump's ship request with careful consideration (LEAD) Trump says trip to China might be delayed, calls on Beijing to help unblock Hormuz Strait: report (3rd LD) 'KPop Demon Hunters' wins Oscars for best animated feature, original song (LEAD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, rubio, middle topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 535.