Newsletters
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that Seoul will not deploy combat troops or military assets in a way that would involve the country in the Iran war, while considering limited measures to protect citizens, merchant shipping and crude oil routes through 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 televised press conference at the presidential Blue House.
“Let it be clear. There will be no dispatch of troops that will lead to involvement in a conflict,” he said, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Lee said South Korea still needed to carry out “the minimum level of activities” necessary to protect its citizens and oil transportation routes through the strategic waterway.
South Korea’s Cheonghae military unit has already expanded its mission in the region, and Seoul is considering ways to strengthen those measures.
“There will be no war deployment,” Lee reiterated, according to The Chosun Daily.
The comments came as South Korea considered possible contributions to efforts to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid pressure from Washington.
Options reportedly under consideration include maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal teams and unmanned systems capable of detecting and clearing naval mines. The government has not made a final decision.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major energy corridor for South Korea.
The conflict involving Iran and increased activity by Yemen’s Houthi group have raised concerns over shipping and crude oil supplies.
Lee said South Korea had faced difficulties securing crude oil early in the conflict because vessels were avoiding waters considered risky.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
