South Korea rules out military involvement in the Iran war

Friday 18 September 2026 - 10:42

By: Azzat Manal

South Korea rules out military involvement in the Iran war

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that Seoul will not deploy troops or military assets in a way that could draw the country into the ongoing conflict involving Iran, reaffirming the government's policy of avoiding direct military involvement.

Speaking at a televised press conference in Seoul, Lee said there would be no deployment intended to participate in or intervene in the war. He stressed that South Korea's position would remain unchanged, ruling out the dispatch of combat forces or military personnel placed under foreign command in circumstances that could expose them to the conflict.

At the same time, Lee acknowledged that Seoul has an interest in protecting its commercial vessels, crude oil supply routes and citizens in the region. He said the government was therefore considering maintaining or strengthening limited activities aimed at protecting navigation and South Korean nationals without crossing the line into direct participation in the conflict.

One option under consideration involves expanding the activities of the Cheonghae Unit, a South Korean naval force operating in waters around the Gulf of Aden and the broader region. The unit's mission has historically focused on maritime security and counter-piracy operations, and Seoul is examining whether its activities could be reinforced in response to growing risks to shipping.

The issue has gained importance because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy shipments and is particularly significant for South Korea's crude oil supplies. Disruptions in the area could therefore have direct consequences for the country's trade and energy security. Lee acknowledged that distinguishing between defensive measures and military involvement could become increasingly difficult as regional tensions intensify.

Seoul's position comes amid discussions with Washington over maritime security in the region. The South Korean government has been examining possible ways to contribute to the safety of navigation, while maintaining that any measures must not amount to participation in the war. A South Korean team recently assessed the security situation in the United Arab Emirates as the government considered its options.

Lee's remarks provide a clear distinction between protecting South Korea's economic and security interests abroad and taking part in military operations. For now, Seoul says it will focus on limited protective measures while ruling out the deployment of forces that could make South Korea a direct participant in the conflict.