South Korea’s Dong-A Ilbo reported on July 7 that Iranian officials recently singled out South Korea, warning that any action involving the Strait of Hormuz would be considered “military aggression and participation in war,” even if it only involves the deployment of non-combatants, and Iran would respond accordingly. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pressuring Seoul to decide quickly whether to send troops, stating that it is “awaiting South Korea’s support.”
The South Korean government is currently considering a troop deployment plan primarily for non-combat missions, including deploying P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, military logistics support ships, and explosive ordnance disposal teams from the Navy’s special operations forces. The aim is to respond to the US request for support in the Strait of Hormuz while avoiding direct involvement in a war.