South Korea is reportedly considering a military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, aligning with Washington’s efforts to isolate Iran. The government is evaluating options ranging from combat to search operations, balancing these moves against domestic legal requirements and security on the Korean Peninsula.

The potential move comes as the European Union endorsed the Trump administration’s "Operation Economic Outcast," launched in late August. This campaign targets Iran’s access to digital assets, advanced technology, gold, commercial aviation, and shipping.

EU Backs US Pressure Campaign

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised the EU’s "strong and early stance" on Thursday. He stated that the world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime. Bessent pressed other nations at the G20 finance gathering in Asheville, North Carolina, to support the U.S. effort. He warned that countries continuing to do business with Iran could face exclusion from the dollar-based financial system.

Brussels endorsed efforts to curb Tehran’s destabilizing activities on August 31. This support aims to increase economic pressure on Iran and restart peace talks.

Balancing Regional Security

President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korea military exercises last month. Cited reasons included high costs, his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korea’s refusal to join U.S. efforts against Iran. Critics warned that scaling back drills could weaken allied readiness against North Korea.

South Korea later backed Trump’s efforts to revive talks with Pyongyang. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac insisted that any dialogue must produce progress on denuclearization without weakening Seoul’s security posture. He emphasized that Seoul wants close coordination with Washington and does not want to be sidelined.

Officials noted that deploying even one or two service members overseas would legally qualify as a troop deployment under the Constitution. Nothing has been decided, but options are under review.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that the European Union has formally joined the U.S.-led sanctions campaign against Iran. He described the move as a signal that the world will not stop until every remaining financial lifeline is severed.

EU Joins Operation Economic Outcast

Bessent stated that the European Union has officially joined "Operation Economic Outcast," thanking the bloc for its "strong and early stance." He emphasized that the U.S. and its allies remain united in preventing Iran’s regime from exploiting the global financial system to fund its nuclear program, weapons, and terror proxies.

The EU welcomed efforts to ensure Iran ceases destabilizing activities. It stated it would continue working with the U.S. and other G7 partners to maintain pressure on Iran and contribute to de-escalation and regional stability. The bloc added it remains ready to take further measures where necessary, including protecting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Escalating Military Tensions

U.S. forces launched a broader wave of strikes on Iranian targets on Sept. 1 in retaliation for earlier Iranian attacks on U.S. assets in the Gulf. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Kuwait on Thursday. This occurred a day after President Donald Trump said renewed hostilities in the Middle East would not last "too long."

Bessent told reporters at the G20 finance ministers’ meeting on Monday that Iran’s economy could unravel "within weeks or months." He noted the goal is to force the regime "to come to its senses." The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Trump is privately considering declaring the Iran war over, believing continued economic pressure alone could force Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program or collapse the regime.

China’s Role Under Scrutiny

China accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil in 2025, according to Kpler data. This makes China central to Tehran’s remaining export revenue. Last month, Bessent said "no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions" when asked whether Chinese institutions could face penalties. He added that "all options are on the table" regarding sanctions tied to China’s Iranian oil purchases.

China’s President Xi Jinping is set to visit the U.S. on Sept. 24.