South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has definitively stated that his country will not deploy troops or military assets to support the U.S.-led operations against Iran, pushing back against pressure from the Trump administration.
The announcement comes amid recent public frustration expressed by President Trump regarding South Korea's perceived refusal to assist in defending the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had previously highlighted the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea to protect against North Korea, suggesting a reciprocal security obligation.
In a news conference, President Lee firmly rejected any military involvement in the Middle East conflict. "There will be no deployment of troops or dispatch of military assets to be involved in or intervene in this war," he stated. Instead, Lee indicated that Seoul is exploring the expansion of its current anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. He emphasized that any redeployment of South Korean naval assets, such as a destroyer and support ships, closer to the Red Sea or Strait of Hormuz would exclusively focus on protecting South Korean oil tankers and commercial vessels, and would not support operations against Iran.
President Trump had previously voiced his expectation for Seoul's assistance, remarking last month that he had asked President Lee "to give us a little hand" in the conflict, referencing the U.S. military commitment to South Korea. Trump recalled Lee's refusal, questioning the rationale for continued U.S. involvement in South Korean defense.
The issue of U.S. relations is occurring as President Lee faces declining approval ratings, currently at 37 percent. This downturn is attributed to domestic challenges and the growing strains with the United States, a key ally.
