South Koreans protest over possible plan to send forces to back US in Hormuz

Protests erupted in South Korea against the government's plan to send its forces to support US operations in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report from MEE staff on September 9, 2026. Seoul has been considering contributing to US security efforts along the strait, and sent a fact-finding mission to the waterway on Tuesday.

Iran has warned that any South Korean deployment would be viewed as direct support for the party responsible for the aggression, and will have serious consequences. Demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Seoul, urging the government not to join what they call a "war of aggression" against Iran. The protesters held placards with the message, brandishing their dissent.

Jung Kyung-jik, from the civic group People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, explained why Iran might view the deployment as a threat, noting that it would constitute direct participation in an illegal war. Iran has accused the US of numerous violations of international law, including the bombing of an elementary school and energy infrastructure.

US pressure on South Korea to join efforts around the Strait of Hormuz has increased, with US President Donald Trump previously criticizing Seoul for not backing the US war on Iran. South Korea, which relies heavily on the waterway for its energy supplies, imports 61 percent of its crude oil and 54 percent of its naphtha through the Strait of Hormuz.

Further options under consideration include deploying a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and a naval logistics support ship. Any new deployment of military personnel would require review by South Korea's National Security Council, approval by the cabinet, and passing through the National Assembly.