Iran cautions South Korea against military role in Strait of Hormuz
Iran warns South Korea not to join military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, saying such a move would support the aggressor and draw serious consequences.
Iran has cautioned South Korea against any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a step would be viewed as direct support for the aggressor side and would invite serious consequences.
The warning came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei during a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday. His remarks followed an announcement by Seoul that it was considering options, including military measures, to protect its freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Baghaei noted that Iran and South Korea have maintained relations for over 64 years, built on mutual respect. However, he stressed that any operational or military presence by outside parties in the strait would be interpreted as backing the aggressor and would carry serious repercussions.
He framed the statement as a general warning to all nations not to be used as instruments by the United States. Baghaei also accused Washington of waging a war of aggression against Iran, arguing that U.S. actions, including attacks on Iranian oil tankers, amount to war crimes and justify Tehran's defensive measures.
"Iran has positioned itself in a stance of self-defense due to the ongoing naval blockade and economic war," Baghaei said. He added that strikes against U.S. military bases or naval vessels fall within Iran's inherent right to legitimate self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The spokesman rejected U.S. attempts to blame Tehran for disruptions to commercial shipping and rising energy prices, insisting that Washington itself sparked the crisis.
On regional diplomacy, Baghaei said talks between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, despite occasional interruptions caused by third-party interference. He indicated that negotiations are in their final stages and that an agreement could be submitted to the International Maritime Organization within days, provided no new obstacles are created by disruptive parties.