Iran has warned South Korea against joining military operations in the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said such involvement would amount to support for US “aggression.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei issued the warning on Monday. He stressed Iran’s long-standing relations with South Korea while opposing any foreign military presence.
Baghaei said Iran currently considers itself engaged in defending against American actions. He warned that military participation by other countries could have “serious consequences.”
His remarks came after Iranian officials indicated plans to establish a restricted zone around the Strait of Hormuz. Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsin Rezaei said ships entering the zone could face sanctions.
Tensions Increase Around Strait of Hormuz
Baghaei also blamed the United States for disrupting commercial shipping and increasing energy prices. Iran has maintained that Washington bears responsibility for the current regional crisis.
Meanwhile, military tensions have continued after renewed strikes between Iran and the United States. US Central Command said it recently struck three Iranian vessels following Iranian missile launches toward US Navy ships.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that future attacks would receive a “faster, heavier and more painful response.”
The conflict has also intensified economic pressure on Iran. Officials cited inflation, unemployment, currency instability and difficulties managing markets.
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said Kharg Island had suffered around 550 strikes in recent months but continued operating.
The Strait of Hormuz remains strategically important because it carried a significant share of global oil supplies before the conflict. Any prolonged disruption could therefore affect international energy markets and fuel prices.
