Iran has warned South Korea that any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz could have “serious consequences” as Seoul considers possible contributions to international efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei issued the warning in a Korean-language post on X on Monday, addressing South Korea directly.
“Relations between Iran and the Republic of Korea date back more than 64 years and have always been based on mutual respect,” Baqaei wrote, stressing that Tehran values its relations with Seoul.
He then warned against any Korean participation in military operations in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz.
“Any operational participation or military presence by other parties in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz would amount to direct support for the aggressor and would have serious consequences,” Baqaei said.
Iran warns Seoul against US pressure
Baqaei also urged South Korea not to bow to what he described as US “pressure and extortion” to participate in military operations against Iran.
The warning came after South Korea’s presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, said last week that Seoul was reviewing both military and nonmilitary options related to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
No final decision has been announced.
Among the options reportedly being considered are the deployment of maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel or a mine-clearing unit.
Tehran says Korean involvement would be seen as military participation
Baqaei’s remarks echoed comments attributed to an unnamed senior Iranian official who spoke to Lebanon-based broadcaster Al Mayadeen on Friday.
The official reportedly warned Seoul against responding to US pressure and said South Korea should not sacrifice its national interests and reputation for Washington’s policies.
“Any Korean involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would be regarded as direct military participation in the aggression and war against Iran,” the official said, according to the report.
Trump presses South Korea over Hormuz support
The warning comes as South Korea faces increasing pressure from US President Donald Trump to contribute resources to efforts aimed at securing navigation through the Iran-controlled waterway.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Seoul for declining to provide military support.
The Trump administration said last week that Washington was “still waiting for Korea to deploy resources to the region.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, and any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant implications for international trade and energy markets.
