South Korea president says he will not send troops to Iran after Trump calls for support

What This is

• President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea will not deploy troops to the Middle East in a way that could pull the country into the Iran-related war.
• Lee also ruled out sending aircraft or naval combat forces, and said he does not want South Korean service members placed under another country’s command.
• Lee’s comments followed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for South Korean support tied to Iran.
• Seoul is weighing limited steps to protect its merchant shipping and oil routes near the Strait of Hormuz, rather than joining combat operations.
• South Korea said it may expand operations of its Cheonghae naval unit, which is already deployed in the region, to help safeguard shipping.
• Trump has also scaled back some joint U.S.–South Korea military drills as the two sides argue over wider alliance and investment issues.
• Lee also said Trump appears to want renewed dialogue with North Korea, and Seoul is coordinating to help facilitate possible U.S.–North Korea talks.

Why This Matters

• It shows the limits U.S. allies set on joining wars outside their region.
• It adds strain to the U.S.–South Korea alliance as security cooperation gets tied to other bargaining, including joint drills and investment promises.
• It highlights how conflict near the Strait of Hormuz can push countries to protect oil shipping without taking part in combat.
• It underscores how public opinion and domestic politics can shape alliance decisions even under direct pressure from Washington.