South Korea Under Pressure from U.S. and Iran: "Waiting for Resource Deployment" vs "Military Involvement Means Participation in War"

U.S. Energy Secretary: "Not America's Responsibility Alone"


Iran Warns: "Deployment of Military Forces Will Be Considered Participation in the Conflict"

The Trump administration in the United States has publicly pressured South Korea to contribute resources to secure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any deployment of military forces would be regarded as de facto participation in the conflict, thereby increasing the burden on the South Korean government.

President Lee Jae-myung is shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump, who personally greeted him at the White House in Washington D.C. during his visit to the United States last year. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Voice of America (VOA) and other sources on September 6 (local time), a senior White House official responded to an inquiry on September 4 regarding South Korea’s review of its options to contribute to the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "South Korea is one of the major importers of Middle Eastern crude oil," and adding, "We are still expecting South Korea to commit resources in the region." However, the official did not specify the type, scale, or timing of the resources South Korea is expected to provide.

A U.S. Department of Defense official also commented on the issue, stating, "President Trump has publicly declared that he expects allies to step forward and help safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." When asked about the potential deployment of South Korean assets or troops, the official avoided comment, stating only, "Please consult the South Korean government."

The Trump administration has continued to call on allies such as South Korea, arguing that the responsibility for ensuring navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz should not fall on the United States alone and demanding a greater role from partner nations.

On the same day, Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, stated in interviews with CNN and Fox News that while U.S. military support is essential to protect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, "this must not be America's responsibility alone."

Secretary Wright explained that, currently, the military assets participating in these operations, aside from those of the United States, have been provided by allies and friendly nations in the Middle East. He added, "We hope that resources from countries outside the region will also be committed, and wish for this to happen as soon as possible."

He did not name any specific countries. However, given that the White House has already indicated it is waiting for South Korea to commit resources, his remarks are seen as a call for military contributions from allies outside the Middle East, including South Korea.

As U.S. pressure continues, the South Korean government has also begun to take action. A Blue House official said on September 4, "It is not the case that South Korea is doing nothing," and revealed that military contribution measures are among the options being reviewed.

This official stated that, regarding the possibility of overseas troop deployment, "We believe some flexibility is possible, provided there is no significant damage to readiness on the Korean Peninsula." However, they clarified that the specific units to be dispatched and the timing have not yet been decided.

Options the government might consider include deploying maritime patrol aircraft, logistical support vessels, or mine detection and removal personnel. Should actual overseas deployment be decided, the necessary procedures would likely include review by the National Security Council (NSC), approval by the Cabinet, and consent from the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Iran has also issued a warning to South Korea, stating it would regard the deployment of military forces to the Strait of Hormuz as de facto participation in the conflict. Al Mayadeen, a Lebanon-based media outlet linked to Hezbollah, quoted a senior Iranian official as saying, "Any intervention by South Korea against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered an act of aggression and direct military participation in war against Iran."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.