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Iran warned that any military involvement by South Korea in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz would have "serious consequences," amidst reports indicating that Seoul is considering a possible military contribution to efforts to ensure navigation through the waterway.
The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated on the social network X that relations between Iran and South Korea span more than 64 years and have developed steadily on the basis of mutual respect.
"Iran attaches great importance to its friendly relations with South Korea," Baqaei affirmed.
However, he maintained that at a time when the Iranian people are defending themselves against what he called American aggression and responding to "war crimes against women and children" by the United States, any military presence or participation in operations by another country in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz "would inevitably be considered direct support for the aggressor and would have serious consequences."
"No sovereign and responsible country should succumb to U.S. pressure and intimidation or become an accomplice to acts of aggression and horrific crimes against the great Iranian nation," Baqaei added.
On the other hand, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Seoul maintains close communication with the international community regarding the situation in the Middle East and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
"We are in close communication with the international community, including relevant countries, to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East as soon as possible and ensure the free passage of all vessels, including those of our country, through the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry indicated.
Citing diplomatic sources, the Seoul-based Yonhap news agency reported that the South Korean government has kept diplomatic channels open with Iran.
"U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Seoul to make a military contribution to efforts aimed at ensuring navigation through the strait amid renewed tensions in the Middle East," the dispatch added.
On Friday, September 4, a South Korean presidential official stated that Seoul has not made a final decision on the deployment of forces in the Strait of Hormuz and that an evaluation is still underway.
The official indicated that South Korea could consider a military contribution to international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation through the strait, provided that it does not compromise the country's defensive readiness.
Previously, local broadcaster SBS reported that Seoul was making preparations for a potential deployment that would include P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team, and a logistics support vessel.
Any deployment would require a decision by the South Korean National Security Council, Cabinet approval, and the consent of the National Assembly.
South Korea is an ally of the United States through a mutual defense treaty and hosts some 39,000 U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula, according to Trump.
