Iran warns South Korea of ‘serious consequences’ over military role in Hormuz

Iran warned on Monday that any South Korean military participation in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz would have “serious consequences,” amid reports that Seoul is considering a possible military contribution to efforts to secure navigation through the strait, Anadolu reports.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on US social media company X that relations between Iran and South Korea span more than 64 years and have consistently developed on the basis of mutual respect.

“Iran attaches great importance to its friendly relations with South Korea,” Baqaei said.

However, he said that at a time when the Iranian people are defending themselves against what he called US aggression and responding to US “war crimes against women and children,” any military presence or participation in operations by another country in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz “would inevitably be regarded as direct support for the aggressor and would have serious consequences.”

“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,” he added.

READ: Trump touts US control of Strait of Hormuz after striking Iranian boats

Seoul maintaining close communication

Separately, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said Monday that Seoul was closely communicating with the international community over the situation in the Middle East 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.

Citing diplomatic sources, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported that the South Korean government has maintained open diplomatic channels with Iran.

“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,” the report added.

On Friday, a South Korean presidential official said Seoul had not reached a final decision on deploying forces to the Strait of Hormuz and that a review was still underway.

The official said South Korea could consider a military contribution to international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation through the strait as long as it does not compromise the country’s defense readiness.

Earlier, local broadcaster SBS reported that Seoul was making preparations for a potential deployment involving P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and a logistics support ship.

Any deployment would require a decision by South Korea’s National Security Council, Cabinet approval and consent from the National Assembly.

South Korea is a US treaty ally and hosts some 39,000 American troops on the Korean Peninsula, according to Trump.

READ: South Korea opposes Iran’s reported plan to charge Hormuz transit fees