ERBIL () – South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets to intervene in the war involving Iran, President Lee Jae Myung said Friday, following reports that Seoul was considering a possible deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.
“There will be no involvement or intervention in the war. We will not deploy troops or military assets in that manner,” Lee told reporters at a press conference at the presidential Blue House.
The decision comes amid diplomatic pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has criticized South Korea for providing insufficient support for US efforts against Iran. Trump also ordered a reduction in major joint US-South Korea military exercises, including the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, as a signal of his frustration.
Washington has pressed Seoul to join its maritime security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has warned South Korea of serious economic and political consequences if it deploys military assets to support the United States.
South Korea has significant economic interests in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, with more than 60 percent of its crude oil imports passing through the strategic waterway.
The strait has faced major disruption since US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, which prompted retaliatory attacks by Tehran targeting regional shipping and Western-linked interests.
A Pakistani-mediated ceasefire took effect on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely by Trump. However, efforts to reach a permanent agreement have not produced a treaty, while Iran has continued considering measures that could affect shipping through the strait, including imposing transit fees on vessels.
