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The presidential office on the 7th released photos on social media showing President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, on a state visit to France, conversing with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron during a dinner with creators from five continents at La Colombe d'Or in Nice, France, on the 6th (local time). President Lee is scheduled to attend the Lumière Summit, an international film and audiovisual conference held in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in southern France later in the day, serving as co-chair alongside President Macron. / Social media account of President Lee Jae-myung

As the South Korean government considers deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz, it finds itself caught in deep deliberation between U.S. calls for military contributions and fierce pushback from Iran. Amid mounting domestic public opposition to any deployment, authorities appear to be exploring ways to scale down the initially planned force composition and contingent size.

According to military authorities on the 7th, the government is reviewing substantive contribution measures to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize the Middle East. These measures are understood to include military contributions.

The military had initially given serious weight to deploying P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, a naval combat support ship, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units. However, as fighting across the strait intensifies, officials are reportedly considering omitting the combat support vessel in light of defensive capabilities and political liabilities. Should an actual deployment materialize, the contingent size is being discussed at around 50 personnel.

The government's calculus has grown increasingly intricate as pressure mounts simultaneously from both Washington and Tehran. While U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing allies for support regarding the war with Iran, Tehran is escalating its warnings, stating it will treat any form of South Korean military dispatch as direct entry into the war. Swelling domestic political opposition adds another layer of pressure.

The Ministry of National Defense is maintaining a cautious stance. Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeong Bit-na said, "Since the onset of the war in the Middle East, the government has consistently maintained its commitment to contribute as a responsible member of the international community," adding, "We are in close consultations with the international community, including the U.S., on substantive contribution options to restore freedom of navigation through the strait swiftly and foster regional peace and stability." She added, "No specific plan has been finalized, and it is difficult to comment on the timing or size."

Should the administration greenlight the deployment, it would mark the first such operational dispatch in 22 years since the Roh Moo-hyun administration deployed the Zaytun Division to Iraq in 2004. As that decision was also finalized amid intense domestic opposition, the president's political judgment is expected to prove a critical variable this time as well.

Diplomatic circles note that, unlike in 2004, the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz directly intersects with South Korea's economic and security interests, leading some to argue for a more proactive stance.

Experts view it as likely that the government will move ahead with contributions close to the scope it has been studying. Jang Ji-hyang, a principal fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, noted, "The president has emphasized substantive contributions via video conferences and other channels since March, and discussions within the military about preparing patrol aircraft, combat support ships, and EOD teams have been circulating since June," adding, "Public pressure has heightened partly because these same measures have recently been framed using loaded terms like troop deployment or entering the war."

Jang added, "The Strait of Hormuz is a vital conduit for our energy supply, and merchant vessels remain stranded there. Factoring in defense cooperation and relations with Gulf nations including the UAE, the strategic gains are unmistakable. If the government clearly articulates the purpose and scope of this assistance to the public, it will very likely proceed with the support options it has been considering, barring major unforeseen variables."

                                                                                                           Lee Han-sol