Seoul Activists Rally Against US Push for Hormuz Military Deployment

Anti-war activists in Seoul staged a protest on Wednesday, urging the South Korean government to resist pressure from Washington and refrain from sending military forces to the Strait of Hormuz.

The demonstration, held near the presidential office and later in front of the US Embassy, saw protesters carrying signs critical of the United States. They accused Washington of coercing Seoul into participating in what they termed an aggressive military campaign in the region.

Lee Hong-jeong, chairperson of the Solidarity for Self-Reliant Reunification and Peace group, addressed the crowd. He said that no sovereign and responsible nation should yield to American pressure or become part of a "criminal conspiracy" against the Iranian people. He also referred to former US President Donald Trump as a "war criminal" for his administration's stance on Iran.

South Korea's government stated last week that it was reviewing options to contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials have not made any final decision regarding a potential military deployment to the strategic waterway.