이란 “한국, 호르무즈서 이란 상대 행동 땐 전쟁 참여로 간주”

North Korean officials have warned that if South Korea intervenes militarily in the Persian Gulf to protect the Hormuz Strait, it will be considered a direct military participation in the US-Israel-led invasion war against Iran. This warning comes as the US administration has repeatedly pressed South Korea to expand its participation in the Hormuz Strait mission and explore various options for military contribution.

Iranian officials, including a high-ranking intelligence and political official, have stated in an interview that South Korea should not cooperate with the US in illegal military operations. They emphasized that South Korea should not sacrifice its national interests and reputation for the sake of the US's aggressive security policies. Furthermore, they stressed that any actions taken by South Korea to defend Hormuz Strait should not be considered as participating in the US-Israeli invasion war against Iran.

The warning by the Iranian officials came amid the US administration's public pressure on South Korea to increase its contribution to the Hormuz Strait mission. US officials have been urging South Korea to play a direct role in ensuring the safety of the Persian Gulf, where the US is still waiting for other major oil-consuming nations, including South Korea and Japan.

South Korea has previously rejected US requests for military support in the Middle East, making it clear that a decision on troop deployment or the extent of material assistance has not been made. A senior government official stated that a free and unobstructed passage through the Hormuz Strait is of great importance to South Korea's national interest. The official added that if the situation in the region remains stable, South Korea may consider participation in the mission, but no decision has been taken yet.

Possible ways for South Korea to contribute to the mission include deploying P-8 patrol aircraft, supply ships, and non-combat personnel for mine clearance. Experts at the National Institute for International Security Studies have assessed these measures as "intermediate-level" contributions, focusing on supporting the safety of Hormuz Strait passage rather than direct combat involvement.