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JCS chief attends France-led multinational military meeting on Strait of Hormuz

Published: 27 Mar. 2026, 12:01

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung [JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF]

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has attended a multinational military meeting to discuss the safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a JCS official said on Friday, as Iran has effectively blocked the key oil trade route amid a prolonged Middle East conflict.

The French defense ministry said on Thursday that around 35 countries participated in the teleconference, led by its Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon, and stressed the talks were defensive in nature. It did not name the participants.

The JCS confirmed the attendance of Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung while striking a prudent tone on future developments.

“The meeting was aimed at sharing the notion that safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is important for the security and economy of respective countries,” a JCS official said.

“The Ministry of National Defense and the JCS will continue communication for joint efforts while closely monitoring movements of the international community regarding the Strait of Hormuz,” the official added.

Noting that the meeting centered on rudimentary discussions surrounding the issue, the official said the military will closely consult with relevant ministries in a “prudent manner,” but added that no specific decisions were made in terms of military support.

Yonhap