South Korea Says No Troops for Iran War, Rejecting US Pressure

Seoul: South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets in a way that would involve the country in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday, September 18. The announcement comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump for Seoul to play a more active military role in the region. 

Speaking at a press conference, Lee made clear that South Korea would maintain its policy of avoiding direct involvement in the war. He said there would be no deployment that could lead South Korea to participate in or intervene in the conflict. 

However, Seoul is considering measures to protect South Korean commercial vessels, crude-oil shipments and citizens in the region. Lee indicated that the government was examining whether to expand the role of its existing naval presence in the region, including the Cheonghae anti-piracy unit. 

The issue has become particularly important for South Korea because the Strait of Hormuz is a key route for its energy supplies. Seoul therefore faces the challenge of protecting its commercial and energy interests while avoiding direct participation in the Iran conflict. 

Lee's announcement settles, for now, speculation over whether South Korea would send military forces to support US operations in or around the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul is instead distinguishing between protecting its own shipping and citizens and taking part in combat operations.