South Korea has ruled out sending troops or military assets to the Strait of Hormuz in a way that would put the country into the ongoing conflict with Iran.
President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday, September 18, that Seoul would keep its principle of avoiding direct involvement in overseas wars.
Lee said South Korea would not deploy forces that participate in or intervene in the war. His comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump is calling on Seoul to be involved in efforts around the strategically vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the key routes for global energy shipments and security in the region is of particular interest to South Korea, which is heavily dependent on imported energy.
Consequently, Seoul has been mulling how to protect its commercial vessels, crude oil shipments, and citizens with no military involvement.
South Korea’s position does not mean it is stepping away completely from the region. Lee said the government is considering limited measures to protect shipping and South Korean nationals. Seoul is also considering whether the activities of its Cheonghae Unit, which works in the region as part of an anti-piracy mission, might be strengthened.
JUST IN: South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets to intervene in the Iran war, President Lee said Friday.
— Global War Monitor (@GWarMonitor) September 18, 2026
“There will be no involvement or intervention in the war,” Lee said, adding Seoul would carry out only “the minimum necessary activities” to protect South… pic.twitter.com/dL3TAHr3Ju
The line between protecting shipping and getting involved has become an important issue for the South Korean government. Lee admitted that measures that safeguard national interests are needed but said such action should not turn into participation in the war.
The decision follows weeks of uncertainty over whether Seoul would contribute military assets to efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korean officials had said at the time of the decision that no final decision had been made and the security situation was being reviewed last month. An inspection team of military personnel and officials from South Korea has also been sent to the United Arab Emirates to survey the situation in the waterway.
Washington has repeatedly called on South Korea to help secure the strategically critical waterway. Trump has criticized Seoul for not providing enough support, putting pressure on the US ally as tension continues to brew with Iran.
For Seoul, the issue is balancing its alliance with Washington with its own economic and security interests. South Korean officials have said discussions on the Hormuz Strait have been about safe navigation, energy security, and the security of South Korean citizens in addition to responding to US demands.
Lee’s latest declaration puts a clear line between protecting South Korea’s commercial and national interests and getting involved in the larger war.
Although maritime security measures are being considered, the president has ruled out troop deployment that could involve South Korea directly in the war.
