Lee rules out Korean troop deployment in Iran war

The Korea Times - Sep 18, 2026

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets in a way that would involve the country in the war between the United States and Iran, while leaving open the possibility of expanding military activities to protect South Korean vessels, oil shipping routes and nationals. “There will be no deployment that involves or intervenes in the war. I can state that clearly,” Lee said during a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae. “We will not make such a troop deployment or dispatch military assets.” Lee said South Korea has maintained its principle of staying out of the conflict and would continue to do so. “To make it clear once again, there will be no deployment in the war,” he said. “We have upheld the principle of noninvolvement and nonintervention in the war, and we will continue to uphold it.” At the same time, Lee drew a distinction between joining the conflict and taking steps to protect South Korea’s own interests. “Like other countries, we clearly need to carry out minimum activities to protect our commercial vessels, oil sh

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