South Korea Joins G7 in Condemning Iran's Strait of Hormuz Blockade Moves

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined a joint statement by the Group of Seven (G7) on the 20th, condemning Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The seven countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada, issued a joint statement on March 19, 2026, pointing to Iran's threats to maritime passages in the Strait of Hormuz. These threats from Iran could lead to increases in international oil prices and logistics costs, as well as inflationary pressures.

The ministry made this decision considering the government's basic stance that prioritizes the safety of international maritime traffic routes and freedom of navigation, along with the trend of international cooperation. It also assessed the direct impact on domestic energy supply and the economy in the event of disruptions to passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on March 19, 2026, urging Japan's participation in military operations for the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Takaichi explained the measures possible and impossible within the scope of Japanese law.