South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for Washington on September 17 and is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State and White House National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on September 18, local time. The talks follow a private meeting between U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel and senior Cheong Wa Dae officials, as Seoul and Washington remain divided over South Korea’s possible contribution to Strait of Hormuz security and delayed U.S. investment plans. Seoul says no deployment decision has been made and that it will prioritize citizens’ safety and freedom of navigation. Reports have cited both $350 billion and $200 billion investment commitments, while the first project’s memorandum of understanding, government briefings and follow-up plans were postponed. The agenda also includes the Joint Fact Sheet, nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment and nuclear energy cooperation, North Korea intelligence sharing, wartime operational control and possible U.S.-North Korea dialogue.