South Korea to review joining U.S. Hormuz operation

South Korea on Tuesday said it will "review its position" on joining U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump urged Seoul to take part in what he has dubbed "Project Freedom," in the wake of an apparent Iranian attack on one of its ships.

An explosion and fire were reported on a South Korean cargo vessel on Monday in the key waterway, which has been effectively blocked since the Mideast war erupted on Feb. 28.

South Korea's foreign ministry said Tuesday that all 24 crew members aboard the stricken HMM Namu — including six South Korean nationals — were unharmed and the fire on the vessel had been "completely extinguished."

Mr. Trump said the incident should prompt South Korea to join American efforts to guide stranded ships through the strait, a major artery for the fuel exports that Seoul relies on.

On Tuesday, South Korea's defense ministry said it would "carefully review our position" but didn't commit to any change.

Seoul would consider its stance based on international law, the safety of international maritime routes, its alliance with the United States and the security situation on the Korean peninsula, the ministry said.

It added that it had been "actively participating in international discussions on cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz."

The HMM Namu is almost 590 feet long and sails under the flag of Panama, data from tracking site MarineTraffic shows. 

CBS/AFP