Washington: The European Union has joined the United States’ economic pressure campaign against Iran, while South Korea is preparing for a possible deployment of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements and reports cited on Friday.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the EU had officially joined the US campaign, known as “Operation Economic Outcast”, aimed at cutting Iran’s access to the global financial system.
In a post on X, Bessent said the United States was working with its allies to prevent what he described as the Iranian regime using the international financial system to support its nuclear ambitions, weapons programmes and proxy groups.
“The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime,” Bessent wrote, adding that Washington would continue until Iran’s remaining financial lifelines were severed.
Separately, South Korea is considering contributing to US security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, although Seoul has stressed that any deployment must not undermine the country’s own military readiness.
A presidential official said contributions to security efforts in the strategic waterway could be managed within limits that did not compromise military readiness. The official added that a review of the issue was still under way.
The comments followed a report that South Korea’s military was making concrete preparations to deploy forces to the Strait of Hormuz. An official from the National Defense Ministry told Australia’s SBS that preparations were under way for the dispatch of naval forces.
According to the report, the proposed deployment includes P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and a logistics support ship. Discussions are also reportedly under way with relevant countries over base ports and operational facilities.
The South Korean government had previously said it would consider deploying forces to the strait only after the US-Iran war had ended.
The issue gained further attention after US President Donald Trump criticised Seoul publicly for declining to participate in action against Iran. The United States has also recently scaled back a military exercise with South Korea.
Any South Korean deployment would require several domestic approvals. These include a decision by the National Security Council, a Cabinet resolution and consent from the National Assembly.
