South Korea Clarifies Stance on Hormuz Strait Security Talks, Denies Troop Deployment
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, South Korea has asserted that its ongoing negotiations with France concerning potential participation in international efforts to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz are currently limited to discussions and do not entail the deployment of military personnel. This clarification comes after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday about the Strait of Hormuz.
The presidential office of South Korea further specified that the talks centered on Seoul’s possible involvement in international initiatives aimed at safeguarding maritime security and the unimpeded flow of shipping through the Strait, explicitly stating that troop deployment is not part of these discussions.
South Korea’s National Security Advisor also commented, indicating that any consideration of the country’s potential role in the Strait of Hormuz is distinct from investment talks with the United States. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly sought explanations regarding reports about South Korea’s potential involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.
The advisor added that Seoul remains in the evaluation phase of various options, and no definitive decisions have been made regarding the nature of its participation. This situation arises as Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, referencing the long-standing relationship of mutual respect between Tehran and Seoul, issued a warning. He emphasized that during Iran’s self-defense against alleged US war crimes, any operational complicity in the region would be construed as support for an aggressor. Baghaei stressed that no responsible nation would yield to US demands for participation in aggressive actions.
