Britain's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, second right, attends a virtual summit at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London on Thursday, with around 35 countries to discuss ways of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. (AP) South Korea’s participation in a UK-led ministerial meeting on the Strait of Hormuz u 바다이야기게임다운로드 nderscores its growing responsibility in safeguarding global energy and maritime security, experts said Friday, as the crisis evolves beyond a US-Iran standoff into a broader international concern. 릴게임예시 Seoul's Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae joined officials from more than 40 countries and international organizations at Thursday’s two-hour virtual meeting, convened by British Foreign S 릴게임가입머니 ecretary Yvette Cooper, according to Seoul officials. Washington did not take part in the meeting, which followed remarks by US President Donald Trump indicating that safeguarding the waterw 모바일바다이야기 ay is not Washington’s responsibility. China and Russia also did not participate. The talks come amid mounting concerns over Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery 바다이야기합법 for global energy supplies — and calls for coordinated international action to restore freedom of navigation. “South Korea should not view this simply as international news,” said Yu Ji-hoon, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses and former Navy commander. “It is a warning signal that energy and maritime security can no longer be passively guaranteed by the United States.” Yu said the significance of the latest meeting lies in its shift away from a narrow geopolitical confrontation toward a collective response to a global crisis. “The core agenda is no longer simply the US-Iran conflict itself, but the reopening of the Strait and the restoration of freedom of navigation,” Yu said, noting that the waterway accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. He added that the gathering marked an effort to build diplomatic legitimacy and coordination ahead of any potential military action. “In that sense, this was not a meeting to initiate naval operations, but to lay the groundwork for a multilateral response with legitimacy,” he said. The meeting also highlighted a changing diplomatic landscape, with the US absent and Trump signaling that countries more dependent on the strait should take greater responsibility. “As a result, the UK has taken on a coordinating role, with European, Gulf and Asian countries shaping a collective response,” Yu said. Participants discussed coordinated steps to increase diplomatic pressure on Iran — including through the United Nations — while rejecting transit tolls, as well as potential economic measures such as sanctions. They also agreed to work with international bodies and industry partners to secure the release of stranded vessels, restore shipping and improve information sharing. Another Seoul-based expert pointed out that a key message from the multinational meeting was the need to ensure that Iran does not emerge from the situation in a way that undermines international law. “The emphasis was on preventing Iran from exercising unilateral control over the strait in ways that violate international norms, and on encouraging collective action by the international community,” Jo Bee-yun, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, said. Jo also pointed out that Washington’s absence could reflect both wartime constraints and a strategic signal. “It may reflect President Donald Trump’s intent to express dissatisfaction, though it is more likely about wartime constraints,” she said, adding that the move could be aimed at encouraging greater international alignment with US positions. Jo also pointed to Iran’s reported efforts to introduce new transit rules in coordination with Oman as a sign of shifting dynamics. “Even if the strait is reopened, Iran is likely to more strongly assert its sovereignty over the waterway,” she said. “Measures such as imposing transit fees indicate an attempt to exercise authority over what is, in principle, an international strait.” She warned that Tehran may seek to reshape the post-crisis order. “Tehran has been signaling that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous state after the war,” she said. Regarding the meeting, a Seoul official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the discussions remain at an early stage and are premised on a potential de-escalation of the conflict. “As I mentioned previously regarding the French-led meeting, both tracks are based on the assumption that the current military confrontation is either halted or meaningfully eased,” the official said, referring to parallel discussions involving France, which has been engaged in military-level coordination on maritime security in the region. “Under that premise, countries in the international community with stakes in the Strait of Hormuz and global maritime routes are identifying areas where they can contribute. Based on that, discussions have begun on what specific measures could be taken going forward.” The official added that efforts are being made to create synergy between military and diplomatic channels. “France is taking the lead in discussions among military authorities, while the United Kingdom is leading talks at the diplomatic level, with the aim of generating synergy between the two tracks,” the official said. “Given that the discussions are still in their initial stages, it is necessary to continue monitoring how they develop.” Analysts say the evolving situation highlights the need for Seoul to take a more proactive role in managing risks tied to key maritime chokepoints. “Seoul needs to more actively manage its diplomatic positioning, coordination with partners, protection of commercial shipping, and diversification of supply routes,” Yu said. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed the idea of reopening the Strait through military means as “unrealistic,” emphasizing that force has never been France’s preferred approach. Speaking during his visit to South Korea, he said: “It is never the option we have chosen.” He added that reopening the waterway would require coordination with Tehran, stating, “This can only be done in concert with Iran. So, first and foremost, there must be a ceasefire and a resumption of negotiations.” Seoul has maintained a cautious stance on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, emphasizing that no formal request has been made by Washington for troop deployment while keeping close coordination with the US. The government has prioritized the safety of its nationals and shipping routes, as well as the stability of energy supplies, while avoiding direct confrontation with Iran. Officials have also indicated that Tehran’s reported move to impose transit fees would be difficult to accept as it runs counter to the principle of freedom of navigation, while denying reports that Seoul considered such measures. There are currently 26 South Korean vessels in the strait and about 40 South Korean nationals remaining in Iran, according to officials. Seoul continues to operate its embassy in Tehran, though direct negotiations remain difficult. Iranian officials have indicated that vessels engaged with US-linked companies may be denied passage, while its proposed toll system is widely viewed as violating the principle of freedom of navigation. More than 60 percent of South Korea’s crude oil imports from the Middle East transit the strait, underscoring its reliance on the route. Additional talks are expected in the coming days, with Britain set to convene military planners next week to examine operational options, including mine-clearing and ship escorts.