South Korea's Lee rules out any combat deployment to Middle East

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung affirmed on Friday that the United States President Donald Trump is keen on engaging in dialogue with North Korea, and emphasized that Seoul has no plans to deploy troops for military intervention in Iran. Trump, aiming to strengthen his ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, mentioned his intention to meet Kim later this year.

Trump also stressed the importance of maintaining amicable relations with Kim, noting that North Korea now possesses 57 nuclear weapons, though South Korea estimates the number to be between 80 to 120. Relations between North Korea and South Korea have been strained due to Pyongyang's repeated characterization of South Korea as an adversary.

However, South Korea is actively engaged in preliminary discussions to foster dialogue between North Korea and the United States, according to Lee. He stated that while such a meeting remains challenging, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Lee highlighted the need to make every effort to transform this potential into reality.

The recent reduction in the scale of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises between South Korea and the US, and the US President's outreach to Pyongyang, have raised apprehensions that Seoul might be marginalized in possible nuclear negotiations involving North Korea. Furthermore, South Korea has pledged $350 billion in US investments under a deal intended to mitigate the impact of Trump's tariffs, although the specifics of these projects and the final terms are still being negotiated.

Lee acknowledged that the negotiations have been complex and difficult, indicating that while both parties seem close to an agreement, certain terms are challenging for South Korea and negotiations are ongoing. Lee also firmly stated that South Korea will not participate militarily in the conflict in Iran, ruling out the deployment of troops or military assets in this context.

He reiterated three times his commitment to the principle of non-involvement and non-intervention in the ongoing war. South Korea has pledged to take only the minimum necessary measures to safeguard its merchant ships and oil shipping routes. Lee emphasized that the country has consistently upheld its non-involvement and non-intervention stance in the conflict.

This stance contrasts with US President Trump's complaints in a recent interview with Fox News, where he alleged that South Korea had shown little interest in supporting the US, despite South Korea being a key security ally in Asia. Trump criticized South Korea for not participating in the defense against North Korea's nuclear arsenal, despite receiving aid from them.

The US maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea to safeguard the country from North Korea's nuclear capabilities. However, Trump's persistent criticism of longstanding alliances has raised doubts about US commitments to security in East Asia. Additionally, Lee ruled out seeking to extend his single-term constitutional limit amid growing discontent over his real estate policies, controversial personnel appointments, and concerns over stock market volatility.