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「Guest: Kim Yeol-su, Director of Security Strategy, Korea Institute for Military Affairs」 With talks between the U.S. and Iran stalled, President Trump has stepped up pressure, saying he is considering resuming a \”liberation operation\” to remove vessels from the Strait of Hormuz. At a ROK-U.S. defense ministers’ meeting held under that cloud, U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegges raised military options against Iran and indirectly pressed South Korea for cooperation. We discuss the implications with Kim Yeol-su of the Korea Institute for Military Affairs. 「Question 1」 With no progress in U.S.-Iran talks, President Trump again threatened to resume the so-called \”liberation operation\” and ratcheted up pressure on Iran. Given the repeated pressure, do you think this approach will be effective now? 「Question 2」 President Trump claimed Iran agreed to hand over highly enriched uranium to the U.S. and then reneged. Iranian state media, however, focused not on nuclear issues but on demanding recognition of Iran’s maritime sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz and the unfreezing of assets. Where does Iran’s confidence to take that stance come from? Does it suggest that Trump is the one being driven by the negotiations? 「Question 3」 The defense ministers met amid overlapping security challenges, from the Strait of Hormuz tensions tied to Iran to bilateral ROK-U.S. security issues. Which outcomes from their meeting stood out to you? 「Question 4」 Although the joint statement did not specify it, there is a possibility the ministers discussed response options after confirming the attack on the Namuho. Secretary Hegges mentioned military operations against Iran in his opening remarks and implicitly urged allies to join maritime operations. Doesn’t that put our government in a difficult position? 「Question 5」 Until recently, the government maintained a cautious stance, but National Security Director Wi Seong-rak issued a strong condemnation. Yet officials remain cautious about publicly identifying the attacker. Why do you think they are holding back? Are they avoiding greater diplomatic risks? 「Question 6」 If Iran were behind the attack, what would be the motive? South Korea provided $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran, and relations have not been overtly hostile. How do you reconcile that? 「Question 7」 The U.S.-China summit is two days away, and it appears unlikely a U.S.-Iran deal will be concluded beforehand. That raises the question of whether the summit will produce any breakthrough on Iran. The U.S. designated three individuals and nine firms for sanctions for facilitating Iranian oil exports to China. What does Washington hope to gain by pressuring China? 「Question 8」 President Trump has said a significant portion of China’s oil imports transit the Strait of Hormuz and seems to be counting on President Xi’s cooperation before negotiating with Iran. Given China’s interest in preserving the Iranian regime, how much assistance is China likely to provide in negotiations? Yonhap News TV story inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; email NEWthing@yna.co.kr
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