Login Latest Bangladesh Politics World Business Opinion Sports Entertainment Jobs Lifestyle Video Search E-paper Eng Login Middle East South Korea Trapped in US-Iran Conflict Al-Jazeera Update: September 08, 2026, 20:20 US ally South Korea is under immense pressure from US President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters. Tehran has warned of 'dire consequences' if South Korea militarily joins the ongoing war between the United States and Israel against Iran. This warning from Iran came after reports that Seoul is considering assisting in maintaining normal maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said in a statement on social media platform X on September 7 that Iran would view any country's military presence or participation in military operations in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz as 'direct support for the aggressor.' The consequences of this will not be good for anyone.
According to Iran, the country has more than 64 years of diplomatic relations with South Korea based on mutual respect. Tehran values this friendship.
If South Korea engages in military activities with Washington while the US is committing aggression and 'war crimes against women and children,' the long-standing friendship between the two countries will be damaged.
Ismail Baghaei further stated, 'No sovereign and responsible country should succumb to US pressure and threats. Becoming an accomplice to the aggression and heinous crimes perpetrated against the great Iranian nation is by no means desirable.'
However, South Korea has not directly responded to this message. But on September 7, the South Korean Foreign Ministry stated in a press release that they are maintaining constant communication with the international community regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has been increasing pressure on its close ally South Korea for several months. US President Donald Trump said in August that he had asked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to 'help a little' in the war against Iran.
Trump claimed that South Korea rejected that request, saying, 'No, '
