S. Korea, U.S. in close communication over request for warship dispatch to Hormuz: presidential aide | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are in close communication over Washington's request for Seoul to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to patrol the crucial oil route, a senior presidential aide said Monday. President Donald Trump urged South Korea and four other countries in a social media post to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz against Iran's effective attempt to close the waterway. "This is an issue that should be decided after enough discussions between South Korea and the U.S., and I understand that the two sides remain in close communication," Lee said, without elaborating on the main communication channels. Lee Kyu-yeon, presidential secretary for public affairs and communication, speaks during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (News Focus) Iran crisis sharply weakens Korean won, fueling inflation, economic fallout concerns Dispatching warships to Hormuz requires parliamentary approval: PPP floor leader (LEAD) Trump says trip to China might be delayed, calls on Beijing to help unblock Hormuz Strait: report S. Korea, U.S. in close communication over request for warship dispatch to Hormuz: presidential aide Next S.

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By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, March 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are in close communication over Washington's request for Seoul to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to patrol the crucial oil route, a senior presidential aide said Monday.
Lee Kyu-yeon, presidential secretary for public affairs and communications, made the remarks after U.S. President Donald Trump urged South Korea and four other countries in a social media post to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz against Iran's effective attempt to close the waterway.
"This is an issue that should be decided after enough discussions between South Korea and the U.S., and I understand that the two sides remain in close communication," Lee said, without elaborating on the main communication channels.
Asked whether Washington had made a formal request, Lee said Cheong Wa Dae is trying to determine the "exact intention" behind Trump's remarks and needs to confirm the U.S. government's official stance before making a decision.
On Sunday, Cheong Wa Dae said it would carefully weight how to respond to Trump's social media post, noting that the safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all countries.
Lee Kyu-yeon, presidential secretary for public affairs and communication, speaks during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
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S. Korea, U.S. in close communication over request for warship dispatch to Hormuz: presidential aide

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- President Donald Trump urged South Korea and four other countries in a social media post to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz against Iran's effective attempt to close the waterway. "This is an issue that should be decided after enough discussions between South Korea and the U.S., and I understand that the two sides remain in close communication," Lee said, without elaborating on the main communication channels.

### Areas for Consideration
- President Donald Trump urged South Korea and four other countries in a social media post to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz against Iran's effective attempt to close the waterway. "This is an issue that should be decided after enough discussions between South Korea and the U.S., and I understand that the two sides remain in close communication," Lee said, without elaborating on the main communication channels.
- Korea weighs Trump's ship request with careful consideration Keywords #Hormuz #warship #Trump 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
- President Donald Trump urged South Korea and four other countries in a social media post to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz against Iran's effective attempt to close the waterway. "This is an issue that should be decided after enough discussions between South Korea and the U.S., and I understand that the two sides remain in close communication," Lee said, without elaborating on the main communication channels.
- Lee Kyu-yeon, presidential secretary for public affairs and communication, speaks during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on March 16, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (News Focus) Iran crisis sharply weakens Korean won, fueling inflation, economic fallout concerns Dispatching warships to Hormuz requires parliamentary approval: PPP floor leader (LEAD) Trump says trip to China might be delayed, calls on Beijing to help unblock Hormuz Strait: report S.
- Korea weighs Trump's ship request with careful consideration Keywords #Hormuz #warship #Trump 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.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, hormuz, communication topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 462.