Iran warns South Korea against involvement in Hormuz

Tehran has issued a stern warning to South Korea, urging it against participating in US military operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that any such involvement would be considered direct support for the aggressor nation and would result in serious consequences. This warning comes as traffic through the strategic waterway has been severely disrupted since the onset of the war against the United States on February 28.

South Korea has reportedly been contemplating contributing to US security efforts in the region, provided it does not compromise its own military capabilities. However, the decision remains unresolved. The dispute over Hormuz, which is controlled by Iran, has led to a stalemate in negotiations between the two nations, both vying for control over the vital waterway responsible for carrying approximately one-fifth of the global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Despite a ceasefire in April, tensions have persisted, with Iran and the US engaging in confrontations around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has imposed conditions on vessels seeking to transit the waterway, a move that has been opposed by the United States and other regional countries, advocating for a return to the pre-war system of unrestricted navigation.