Iran warns South Korea against involvement in Hormuz

TEHERAN: Iran's foreign ministry issued a stern warning to South Korea on Monday, urging the country against military deployment or participation in US operations within the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry cautioned that such a move would have serious consequences. Just a day earlier, Seoul expressed its consideration of contributing to US security efforts in the strategically vital waterway.

Iran had largely controlled the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of hostilities against the United States on February 28. Seoul stated that they would consider the move if their own military readiness remained uncompromised, but emphasized that no decision had been finalized. On Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, accused South Korea of succumbing to alleged "US pressure and intimidation."

He asserted that any military deployment or involvement in operations by other nations in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as direct support for the aggressor, resulting in serious consequences. Iran and the United States have engaged in continuous hostilities in and around the Strait of Hormuz, even after the April ceasefire ended the initial intense bombardment campaign.

Negotiations between the two adversaries have remained stalled as they vie for control over the crucial waterway, which carries approximately a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Since the war commenced, passage through the vital waterway has been virtually halted, interrupting global energy markets. Iran has required vessels to seek permission for transit, a demand opposed by Washington and several regional countries, asserting that normal navigation conditions would not be restored.