South Korea sends research team to Strait of Hormuz

South Korea has dispatched a research team to the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Mehr News Agency. Seoul emphasized that the mission is purely for research purposes and that, contrary to rumors, no deadline exists for deploying forces.

Earlier, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, citing the long-standing and mutually respectful relationship between Tehran and Seoul, warned that during the Iranian nation's defense against U.S. war crimes, any operational complicity in the region would be considered support for the aggressor side. He said no responsible country would submit to U.S. extortion to take part in aggressive actions.

The dispatch comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran facing potential threats from the United States. The research team's activities are expected to be monitored closely by regional stakeholders.

According to Mehr News Agency, the South Korean government has not provided further details about the research team's specific objectives or the duration of their stay in the region. The move is seen as a delicate balancing act for Seoul, which maintains ties with both Washington and Tehran.

The report by Mehr News Agency added that the Iranian foreign ministry's statement reflects Tehran's sensitivity to any foreign military or operational presence in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.