Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, referring to reports about the possible deployment of military forces to the Strait of Hormuz, said: "No deployment of forces that involves conflict or intervention in war will take place."
Emphasis on Non-Military Intervention
On Friday, Lee emphasized at a press conference: "Whether it is the deployment of forces for participation or intervention in war, or the deployment of military equipment, we will not do such a thing. We have adhered to this principle so far, and there will be no change in the future."
Security Reports and Cheongha Unit Readiness
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on Thursday night that it had received a report of a security incident in the Strait of Hormuz. The President of South Korea added: "It is clear to us that we must take minimal actions to protect commercial ships, oil transport routes, and the safety and lives of our citizens, just like other countries."
He continued: "The Cheongha unit is currently deployed and ready to respond to threats against shipping routes, including piracy and the safety of our citizens. It is true that we are currently reviewing and consulting on ways to enhance this capability."
No Deployment of Military Equipment
The South Korean Ministry of Defense recently announced the dispatch of a research team to the Strait of Hormuz to assess the regional and security conditions. At the same time, reports regarding the US request for the deployment of South Korean military equipment in this waterway were denied. The Office of the President of South Korea also rejected reports that the US had set a deadline for Seoul to send equipment to the Strait of Hormuz, calling it incorrect.
Ismail Baqai recently wrote in a message in Korean on X: "Iran and South Korea have a relationship that spans over 64 years and has always been based on mutual respect. Iran values its friendly relations with South Korea highly."
He emphasized: "However, it is clear that under the current circumstances, where the Iranian nation is defending itself against aggressive actions and responding decisively to the war crimes of the US against women and children, any operational participation or military presence of other parties in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz would be considered direct support for the aggressor and would have serious consequences."
