According to Hashi Chain News, on March 20, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the South Korean government has decided to join the "Joint Statement on the Strait of Hormuz" issued by the 7 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this decision comprehensively considers the South Korean government's fundamental position on the security of international maritime channels and freedom of navigation, the trends in the international community, and the direct impact of disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on South Korea's energy supply and economy. The aforementioned 7 countries issued a joint statement on March 19, condemning Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.