South Korea weighs Hormuz support as Iran warns of ‘serious consequences’

South Korea is weighing whether to support international efforts to reopen navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran warns Seoul of “serious consequences” if it provides military or other assistance.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said any military presence or participation by another country in Gulf or Strait of Hormuz operations would be treated as direct support for what Tehran calls aggression against Iran. The warning was reported by Al Jazeera Global News.

Seoul has not announced a deployment or made a final decision. A South Korean presidential official said the government could consider non-combat and search-and-rescue cooperation with France, the United Kingdom and other allies, provided any contribution did not undermine national defence readiness.

The South Korean military is reportedly reviewing maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal teams and unmanned systems for detecting and clearing mines. Any military deployment would require parliamentary approval, while opposition figures and some members of the governing Democratic Party have spoken against possible participation.

The decision carries economic as well as security implications. South Korea receives an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of its crude imports through Gulf supplies passing via the strait, and the disruption has contributed to severe supply pressures and rising inflation.

The issue is also testing Seoul’s alliance with Washington. The United States maintains about 29,000 troops on the Korean Peninsula, while reports cited by Al Jazeera say Washington has increased pressure on South Korea after Seoul declined an earlier request for support. South Korea’s government is now balancing alliance expectations, domestic approval and the risk of Iranian retaliation.