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Iran warned Monday that any South Korean military participation in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz would have “serious consequences,” as Seoul reviews a possible contribution to international efforts to secure navigation through the waterway.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on X that relations between Iran and South Korea span more than 64 years and have developed on the basis of mutual respect.
“Iran attaches great importance to its friendly relations with South Korea,” Baqaei said.
However, he warned that any foreign military presence or participation in operations in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz would be viewed by Tehran as direct support for the U.S.
“No sovereign and responsible country should succumb to U.S. pressure and intimidation and become complicit in acts of aggression and horrific crimes against the great Iranian nation,” he said.
Baqaei said Iran was defending itself against what he described as U.S. aggression and “war crimes against women and children.”
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that Seoul was closely communicating with relevant countries and the international community over the Middle East situation and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are closely communicating with the international community, including relevant countries, to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East as soon as possible and to ensure the free passage of all vessels, including those of our country, through the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry said.
Diplomatic sources cited by Yonhap News said South Korea has maintained open diplomatic channels with Iran.
The report added that U.S. President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Seoul to make a military contribution to efforts to secure navigation through the strait amid renewed regional tensions.
A South Korean presidential official said Friday that no final decision had been made on deploying forces to Hormuz and that the issue remained under review.
The official said Seoul could consider contributing to international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation as long as the move does not weaken South Korea’s defense readiness.
Local broadcaster SBS previously reported that preparations were being made for a possible deployment involving P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and a logistics support ship.
Any deployment would require approval by South Korea’s National Security Council and Cabinet, as well as consent from the National Assembly.
South Korea is a U.S. treaty ally and hosts about 39,000 American troops on the Korean Peninsula, according to Trump.
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