Iran Warns South Korea of ‘Serious Consequences’ Over Any Military Role in Hormuz

TEHRAN, Sep 7: Iran on Monday warned South Korea that any military participation in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz would have “serious consequences,” amid reports that Seoul is considering contributing forces to international efforts to secure navigation through the strategic waterway.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said relations between Iran and South Korea have developed for more than 64 years based on mutual respect. He stressed that Tehran attaches importance to its ties with Seoul, but warned that any foreign military presence in the Gulf or Hormuz would be viewed by Iran as direct support for what it described as US aggression.

Baqaei urged South Korea not to succumb to US pressure, saying that participation in military operations in the region could make Seoul “complicit” in what Tehran described as aggression and crimes against Iran.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, said Seoul was maintaining close communication with the international community and relevant countries over the Middle East situation. The ministry said South Korea was seeking to help restore regional stability and ensure the free passage of all vessels, including South Korean ships, through the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korean media, citing diplomatic sources, reported that Seoul has kept diplomatic channels open with Tehran while reviewing a possible military contribution. A presidential official said Friday that no final decision had been made and that any deployment would have to ensure South Korea’s own defense readiness was not compromised.

Local broadcaster SBS reported that Seoul was preparing for a potential deployment that could involve P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and a logistics support ship. Any deployment would require approval from South Korea’s National Security Council and Cabinet, as well as consent from the National Assembly.

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