Iran warns Korea over possible Hormuz deployment

Iran's foreign ministry issued a stern warning to South Korea on Monday, asserting that any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to "serious consequences." This comes as Seoul is contemplating potential military contributions to maintain freedom of navigation in the crucial waterway. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, conveyed his message in a Korean-language post on X, emphasizing the enduring relationship between Iran and South Korea, which spans more than six decades and is built on mutual respect.

Baqaei reiterated the significance of the long-standing friendship between the two nations, while concurrently cautioning against any participation in military operations in the region. He explicitly stated that under present circumstances, any operational engagement or military presence from external parties in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz would essentially serve as support to the aggressor, resulting in severe repercussions.

Baqaei further asserted that no responsible government should acquiesce to what he characterized as U.S. pressure.