South Korea Won't Join Iran War, Urges US-North Korea Dialogue

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday that his country will not deploy troops or military assets to the ongoing Iran war, while simultaneously urging US President Donald Trump to engage in dialogue with North Korea. The announcement came amid rising tensions in the Middle East and efforts to revive diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula. At a press conference, President Lee emphasized that South Korea would not involve itself in the conflict. "There will be no involvement or intervention in the war. We will not deploy troops or military assets in that manner," he said, adding that Seoul would only undertake minimum necessary activities to protect its merchant ships and oil shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows reports that South Korea had been considering a deployment to the strategic waterway, which has been a flashpoint since the Iran war began in late February. President Lee also addressed North Korea, stating that he is urging President Trump to pursue dialogue. "It is clear that President Trump wants dialogue, and I am also urging President Trump to engage in dialogue," Lee told reporters.