President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with South Korea's refusal to participate in the US effort to denuclearize Iran and ordered a reduction in joint US-South Korean military exercises. The South Korean government said it is considering plans for "military contributions" related to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This is a more concrete expression of the will to make military contributions than the previous phrase "substantial contribution," and is interpreted as an effort to appease President Trump's dissatisfaction. The government is coordinating with the US side, taking into account the readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures. Possibilities include deploying maritime patrol aircraft, logistics support ships, and mine detection equipment. However, the US side has not yet requested a reduction in joint exercises, and the current "Ulji Freedom Shield" exercise is proceeding normally.
