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Iran Warns South Korea: Hormuz Deployment Would Be "Serious"
(MENAFN) Iran issued a stark warning on Monday against any South Korean military role in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz, as speculation mounts that Seoul may join efforts to safeguard shipping lanes through the critical waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei took to X to address the matter, noting that Tehran and Seoul have built more than six decades of diplomatic ties. "Iran attaches great importance to its friendly relations with South Korea," he wrote.
Baqaei's message carried a sharper edge beneath the diplomatic language. He framed Iran's current posture as self-defense against what he termed US aggression and Washington's "war crimes against women and children." Against that backdrop, he cautioned that foreign military involvement in the Gulf or the strait "would inevitably be regarded as direct support for the aggressor and would have serious consequences."
He went further, appealing to notions of national sovereignty: "No sovereign and responsible country should succumb to US pressure and intimidation and become complicit in acts of aggression and horrific crimes against the great Iranian nation."
Seoul Signals Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement
South Korea's Foreign Ministry responded Monday by stressing it remains in active dialogue with global partners as the regional crisis unfolds. "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 stated.
According to media, which cited unnamed diplomatic sources, Seoul has kept its channels with Tehran open despite the rising tensions. The outlet also reported mounting pressure from Washington: "US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Seoul to make a military contribution to efforts to secure navigation through the strait amid renewed tensions in the Middle East."
No Final Decision Yet, Officials Say
A South Korean presidential official told reporters Friday that no final call had been made on sending forces to the strait, describing the matter as still under active review. The official indicated Seoul might weigh a military contribution to multinational freedom-of-navigation efforts — but only if it wouldn't undercut the country's own defense capabilities.
A broadcaster reported separately that South Korea has begun laying groundwork for a possible deployment package, potentially including P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal unit, and a logistics support vessel.
Any such move would need to clear multiple hurdles: approval from South Korea's National Security Council, sign-off from the Cabinet, and consent from the National Assembly.
The stakes are heightened by Seoul's alliance with Washington — South Korea hosts roughly 39,000 US troops, a figure cited by Trump himself.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei took to X to address the matter, noting that Tehran and Seoul have built more than six decades of diplomatic ties. "Iran attaches great importance to its friendly relations with South Korea," he wrote.
Baqaei's message carried a sharper edge beneath the diplomatic language. He framed Iran's current posture as self-defense against what he termed US aggression and Washington's "war crimes against women and children." Against that backdrop, he cautioned that foreign military involvement in the Gulf or the strait "would inevitably be regarded as direct support for the aggressor and would have serious consequences."
He went further, appealing to notions of national sovereignty: "No sovereign and responsible country should succumb to US pressure and intimidation and become complicit in acts of aggression and horrific crimes against the great Iranian nation."
Seoul Signals Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement
South Korea's Foreign Ministry responded Monday by stressing it remains in active dialogue with global partners as the regional crisis unfolds. "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 stated.
According to media, which cited unnamed diplomatic sources, Seoul has kept its channels with Tehran open despite the rising tensions. The outlet also reported mounting pressure from Washington: "US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Seoul to make a military contribution to efforts to secure navigation through the strait amid renewed tensions in the Middle East."
No Final Decision Yet, Officials Say
A South Korean presidential official told reporters Friday that no final call had been made on sending forces to the strait, describing the matter as still under active review. The official indicated Seoul might weigh a military contribution to multinational freedom-of-navigation efforts — but only if it wouldn't undercut the country's own defense capabilities.
A broadcaster reported separately that South Korea has begun laying groundwork for a possible deployment package, potentially including P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal unit, and a logistics support vessel.
Any such move would need to clear multiple hurdles: approval from South Korea's National Security Council, sign-off from the Cabinet, and consent from the National Assembly.
The stakes are heightened by Seoul's alliance with Washington — South Korea hosts roughly 39,000 US troops, a figure cited by Trump himself.
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