Iran warns South Korea against involvement in Hormuz

TEHRAN – Iran's foreign ministry issued a stern warning to South Korea on Monday, cautioning against military involvement or deployment in U.S. operations within the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry emphasized that such an action would carry "serious consequences." Earlier on Friday, Seoul had indicated its openness to "contributions" to U.S. security efforts in the strategically significant Hormuz Strait, which Tehran has largely dominated since the start of the conflict against the United States on February 28.

While South Korea suggested this move should only proceed if it did not compromise its own military capabilities, they had not yet made a final decision. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, harshly rebuked South Korea on Monday, accusing them of succumbing to "U.S. pressure and intimidation." He stated that any military deployment or participation in operations by other nations in the Persian Gulf or Hormuz Strait would effectively be aiding the aggressor and would face "serious consequences."

Tensions persist between Iran and the United States in and around the Hormuz Strait, even following an April ceasefire that ended the initial intense bombardment campaign. The two adversaries have been unable to reach any meaningful negotiations, as they vie for control over Hormuz, which is responsible for transporting about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Since the outbreak of the war, the passage of vessels through the crucial waterway has been severely restricted, causing widespread disruption to global energy markets. Iran has required ships to obtain permission to pass through, a demand opposed by Washington and several regional countries, insisting that there will be no return to the previous unrestricted navigation system.