South Korea denies sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung denied plans to send troops to the Strait of Hormuz after reports emerged regarding a possible military deployment in the region. In remarks made at the Blue House, the South Korean presidential office, Lee stated that "there will be no involvement or intervention in the war" between the United States and Iran.

According to Lee, South Korea will not send troops or military resources to the area, reaffirming its position of non-intervention in external conflicts. This statement was made in response to questions regarding the South Korean government's stance on security in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic area for maritime traffic.

Various media outlets reported that South Korea had been considering the possibility of contributing to U.S. security efforts in the area, but the president shifted the approach, emphasizing that it would not involve direct military implications in the conflict.

Despite the refusal to send troops, South Korean authorities have been discussing ways to ensure the protection of trade routes and national ships. Lee highlighted that any future actions would be limited and focused on securing maritime routes, without direct military involvement in regional conflicts.

South Korea's refusal to participate directly in hostilities was followed by agreements with the United States, which reaffirmed the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait. A meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun resulted in a consensus on the importance of protecting transit in the area, even without the presence of South Korean troops.

The South Korean president reiterated the government's position on maintaining peace in the region while South Korea seeks ways to collaborate on security initiatives that do not involve a military deployment. Seoul's stance reflects its cautious policy of non-intervention in armed conflicts in the Middle East.