President Lee said South Korea will not deploy forces that would amount to joining the Iran conflict.
Why it matters: The decision draws a line on allied military support as Washington weighs regional security responses. It also leaves Seoul room to consider non-combat steps to protect South Korean nationals and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
- On 2026-09-18, President Lee Jae Myung said South Korea will not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a way that would draw it into the Iran conflict.
- Lee said there would be no deployment or involvement that would amount to participation in the war.
- Yonhap said Seoul is reviewing steps to protect South Korean nationals, vessels and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
- South Korea had already rejected reports on 2026-09-03 that it was considering sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea said it will not send forces into the Iran conflict. President Lee Jae Myung said, "There will be no deployment that involves participation or intervention in the war." He also said, "There won’t be deployment that would involve or enter war. I can tell you that very clearly." Reuters reported the remarks.
Lee's comments leave open a separate review of non-combat steps tied to maritime security. Yonhap said Seoul is considering measures to protect South Korean nationals, vessels and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Yonhap reported the review.
The issue has been active for weeks. On 2026-09-03, South Korea rejected reports that it was considering sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz. Yonhap reported that denial.
Yes, but: Seoul has not said what specific non-combat measures it is considering for the Strait of Hormuz.
What's next: South Korea's review of protections for nationals, vessels and shipping routes is ongoing.