South Korea Rejects US Pressure for Hormuz Deployment

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Friday that his country will not deploy troops or military assets to the Strait of Hormuz in a way that would involve South Korea in the ongoing US-Iran war. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Lee stated clearly that there would be no deployment that could lead to involvement in the conflict, while noting that South Korea is reviewing limited non-combat measures to protect its commercial shipping and crude oil routes. Lee emphasized that South Korea must undertake minimum activities to safeguard its citizens and economic interests, similar to other nations. He mentioned that the government is considering strengthening the activities of the Cheonghae Unit, a naval antipiracy force currently deployed in the region, to enhance protection. However, he stressed that any such measures would not involve combat troops or place South Korean forces under foreign command. The announcement comes amid pressure from the United States, with President Donald Trump having criticized South Korea for insufficient support and scaled back major joint military drills this summer.