Iran Warns South Korea Against Military Presence in Persian Gulf

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, warned South Korea on Monday that any operational participation or military presence in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz would be considered direct support for the American aggressor. In a Korean-language post on X, Baghaei emphasized that Iran-South Korea relations date back more than 64 years and have always been based on mutual respect. He noted that Iran greatly values its friendly ties with South Korea.

However, Baghaei stated, "It is clear that in the current situation, in which the Iranian nation is defending itself against aggressive actions and responding decisively to U.S. war crimes against women and children, any operational participation or military presence by other parties in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz will be considered direct support for the aggressor side and will have serious consequences."

He further added, "No sovereign and responsible government submits to U.S. pressure and extortion to take part in aggressive and heinous acts against the great Iranian nation."

The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Iran accusing the U.S. of committing war crimes. The Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz are strategic waterways, and any foreign military presence there is a sensitive issue for Iran.

According to Mehr News Agency, the statement was made in response to potential South Korean military involvement in the region, though specific details of such involvement were not provided in the report.