Iran warns Korea of 'serious consequences' over possible Strait of Hormuz deployment

Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned Korea of "serious consequences" if Seoul deploys forces to the Strait of Hormuz.

The message comes as the Korean government mulls deploying non-combat assets to the Middle East to support U.S. efforts in the region.

It also comes after Lebanon's pro-Hezbollah outlet Al Mayadeen reported Friday that a senior Iranian official warned Korea that any involvement in the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered participation in the war.

“The relationship between Iran and Korea has a history of more than 64 years, and bilateral ties have steadily developed based on mutual respect,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei posted in Korean on X on Monday. “Iran highly values its friendly relations with Korea.”

The spokesperson stated that Iranian people are currently defending themselves against “aggressive actions by the United States” and are responding resolutely to U.S. war crimes targeting women and children.

“Under these circumstances, any country that stations military forces in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz or participates in military operations will inevitably be regarded as directly supporting the aggressor,” Baghaei said. “This will have serious consequences.”

“A sovereign and responsible country should not succumb to U.S. pressure and threats and join in acts of aggression and horrific crimes against the great Iranian people,” Baghaei said.

Korea has been caught in a diplomatic dilemma, with Iran warning against any deployment while the United States publicly presses Seoul to play a greater role in the Strait of Hormuz.

BY JANG GU-SEUL [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]