Cheong Wa Dae says Lee's 'no war intervention' remark not a rejection of Trump's Hormuz request
Cheong Wa Dae said Saturday that President Lee Jae Myung's remarks ruling out troop dispatches that could involve the country in a war were not a refusal of U.S. President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send forces to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The presidential office clarified the position after the New York Times reported that Lee's comments at a press conference Friday amounted to a…
On Saturday, Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea's presidential office, clarified that President Lee Jae Myung's statement rejecting troop dispatches that could involve the country in a war did not signify a refusal of U.S. President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to provide military support in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This clarification came after a report by the New York Times claimed that Lee's comments at a press conference on Friday amounted to a rejection of Trump's plea for Korea's military cooperation in the Middle East.
According to a presidential official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Lee did not reject Trump's request for Korea's cooperation on Middle East-related issues during his press conference the previous day. The government has been exploring practical ways to contribute, in close communication with the international community, including the United States, to protect its citizens and safeguard national interests.
Seoul has stated that it will continue to examine concrete options while adhering to its principle of not intervening in war or combat. The official added that this principle remains unchanged. On Friday, Lee had stated during a nationally televised press conference that the country would not send troops to any conflict that could escalate into a war.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
