Seoul: South Korea will participate in a multinational defense ministerial meeting on the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as Seoul weighs its response following the recent attack on a Korean-operated cargo vessel in the strategic waterway.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Army Maj. Gen. Woo Kyung-suk, director general for policy planning at the defense ministry, will attend the virtual meeting co-chaired by Britain and France. This is the first high-level conference gathering top defense officials from more than 40 countries.

The U.S.-Iran conflict led to a blockade of the strait, prompting Britain and France to lead international discussions on stabilization. They have hosted a summit and ministerial-level meetings, alongside working-level meetings of military planners to discuss cooperation for restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy and fertilizer supplies.

A defense ministry official stated that they are engaging in discussions on international cooperation to ensure safe passage through the strait, while keeping abreast of the situation and maintaining communication with relevant countries.

The meeting follows South Korea's determination that the May 4 explosion and fire on the HMM Namu cargo ship was caused by two unidentified flying objects. Seoul has condemned the attack and is investigating the incident to identify the responsible party.

A Cheong Wa Dae official mentioned that the government will respond appropriately once further analysis is complete, indicating that the measures will align with those taken by other countries.

British Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the meeting aims to convert diplomatic agreements into practical military plans to restore shipping confidence through the strait. Regarding Seoul's potential involvement, the defense ministry is considering international law, safety of sea lanes, domestic legal procedures, and other factors.