President Lee Jae Myung on Friday ruled out the possibility of South Korea's direct or indirect involvement in the war in the Middle East, saying any part the country plays will have no connection to combat.
“There will not be a dispatching of troops for involvement or intervention in the war. This I can state clearly,” Lee said at Friday’s press conference, stressing that South Korea has maintained the principle of not becoming directly involved in combat and will continue to do so.
Lee was responding to a question about sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz at Friday’s press conference. Seoul has faced increasing pressure from the US to support its war on Iran, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Though the government continued to stress that no decision had been made, speculations that Seoul could be leaning towards troop or military asset deployment had been growing.
Lee emphasized that Seoul will not become directly involved in the war, but highlighted the complex and dynamic nature of the situation.
“However, like other countries are doing, (Korea) must protect the lives of our people, merchant ships and crude oil transportation routes. This also is clear,” Lee said.
“Through the Cheonghae Unit, the military has the readiness to protect (national interests). It is true that strengthening such efforts is under consideration.”
cheesuk@heraldcorp.com
