South Korea’s president rules out combat troop dispatch over Strait of Hormuz

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ruled out deploying combat troops in response to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying South Korea would not send military personnel in a manner that could draw it into an overseas conflict, Anadolu reports.

“Let it be clear. There will be no dispatch of troops that will lead to involvement in a conflict. There will be no engagement or involvement in war,” he told a televised press conference Friday, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Lee stressed that Seoul would maintain its principle of staying out of combat even as it considers measures to protect South Korean interests around the strategic waterway.

“There will not be a dispatching of troops for involvement or intervention in the war. This I can state clearly,” he said, according to The Korea Herald.

“However, like other countries are doing, (South Korea) must protect the lives of our people, merchant ships and crude oil transportation routes. This also is clear,” he added.

Yonhap quoted Lee as saying that South Korea needed to conduct “the minimum level of activities” to safeguard its nationals and crude oil transportation routes.

READ: South Korea opposes Iran’s reported plan to charge Hormuz transit fees

South Korea’s Cheonghae military unit has already expanded the scope of its mission in the region, while Seoul is examining ways to reinforce those measures.

“It is true that we are reviewing and thinking about ways to strengthen (measures) on this,” Lee said.

The remarks came as Seoul weighed possible contributions to efforts to secure navigation through the Hormuz Strait amid pressure from Washington.

Assets reportedly under consideration include maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal teams and unmanned systems capable of detecting and clearing naval mines, though Seoul says no decision has been made.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial energy corridor for South Korea, while the conflict involving Iran and increased activity by Yemen’s Houthi group involving the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have raised concerns over shipping and crude supplies.

Lee said South Korea faced difficulties securing crude early in the conflict as vessels avoided risky waters.

READ: Iran warns South Korea of ‘serious consequences’ over military role in Hormuz