Iran warns South Korea against considering sending troops to Strait of Hormuz, also announces establishment of restricted area

[Cairo, Seoul Jiji] Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned on the 7th that reports that the South Korean government was considering sending troops to support the US military in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transportation hub, would "lead to serious consequences." Posted on X (old Twitter). US President Trump is said to be looking forward to Japan's dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces.

Deployment of troops to Hormuz: deepening dilemma; expectations for improvement with the US but deep-rooted opposition - South Korea

The spokesperson insisted that Iran was "defending itself against acts of aggression by the United States." ``If we are stationed or participate in operations in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz, we will consider this to be direct support for the parties involved in the act of aggression.'' After posting the post, an official from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs merely said, ``We are in close communication with the international community, including relevant countries, to ensure free navigation of all ships in the Strait of Hormuz.''

On the 6th, Director-General Rezai of Iran's Supreme Security Council, which oversees foreign affairs and defense, announced the idea of ​​establishing a "restricted zone" around the Strait of Hormuz. It will be announced soon.

The restricted area includes parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, where the U.S. military enforces a naval blockade against Iran, and is expected to expand the area it controls in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran claims. Mr Rezai announced that ships entering the area would be placed on a "sanctions list".