Iran Targets South Korea, Warns in Korean of 'Serious Consequences' Over Strait of Hormuz Deployment

As the South Korean government mulls military contributions, including a deployment to the Strait of Hormuz at the request of the United States, Iran has issued a warning message in Korean urging Seoul not to succumb to U.S. pressure.

The move is interpreted as a direct signal targeting South Korea not to comply with U.S. deployment requests, amid recent pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for allies to expand their roles.

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted a statement written directly in Korean on his social media X account on the 7th (local time), keeping in check the possibility of South Korea participating in operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Spokesperson Baghaei noted the long-standing friendly ties between the two countries, stating, "Relations between Iran and the Republic of Korea have a history spanning more than 64 years, and bilateral relations have consistently developed on the basis of mutual respect."

However, targeting the possibility of South Korea reviewing a deployment, he stated, "Currently, the Iranian people are defending themselves against the aggressive acts of the United States, and firmly responding to U.S. war crimes against women and children."

He warned, "The military presence or participation in operations by other countries in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz will inevitably be regarded as direct support for a party to the acts of aggression, and will entail serious consequences."

In addition, he urged, "No sovereign and responsible country should yield to U.S. pressure and intimidation to become an accomplice to acts of aggression and horrific crimes against the great Iranian people."

The X post uploaded in Korean by Spokesperson Baghaei also included a photo containing the Korean phrase, "Dangerous choices come with a price."

Iran's public warning comes amid successive all-out deployment pressures from the Trump administration.

President Trump has raised complaints, stating that South Korea and other nations that import large quantities of Middle Eastern crude oil should directly step up to secure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.

In particular, he raised the level of pressure by repeatedly claiming that his requests for assistance regarding Iran were rejected, specifically mentioning South Korea.

In addition, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright also remarked on the 6th (local time) with the intent of expecting prompt military asset support from allies, stating, "I think other countries will also come and join us in this effort."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.