South Korea weighs joining Hormuz mission after explosion on HMM ship

The ministry said there were no casualties and the fire had been extinguished. The ship, called HMM Namu, would be towed to a nearby port for a damage assessment and repairs, it said.

South Korea believes the, "safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation should be protected under international law," said Choi Soung-ah, a presidential secretary, noting Seoul's participation in international efforts to normalise global shipping chains.

"In this context, we are watching President Trump's remark related to this," she said. A text message from the Blue House confirmed it was reviewing Trump's suggestion to participate in a plan to free up navigation in the strait.