South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on September 18 that South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets in a way that would involve the country in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Speaking at a televised press conference, Lee said Seoul’s policy of avoiding involvement in the war would remain unchanged. He emphasized that South Korea would not send combat troops or military forces that could become involved in the conflict.
At the same time, the government is considering limited measures to protect South Korean citizens, commercial shipping and crude-oil transportation routes, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. South Korea’s existing Cheonghae naval unit is already operating in the region, and Seoul is reviewing whether its activities should be strengthened.
The decision comes amid pressure from the United States for Seoul to provide greater support related to the conflict. South Korea is seeking to balance the protection of its energy supplies and commercial interests with its policy of avoiding direct participation in the war.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important to South Korea because of its role in the country’s crude-oil supply routes. Any prolonged disruption could affect energy security, shipping and the wider South Korean economy.
News as Reported.
