# South Korea refuses to join US war on Iran

> Seoul defies Trump pressure and rules out military deployment to the Middle East, citing domestic opposition and focus on protecting its own shipping.
- Title: South Korea refuses to join US war on Iran · the Guardian
- Summary: Seoul defies Trump pressure and rules out military deployment to the Middle East, citing domestic opposition and focus on protecting its own shipping. South…
- Keywords: south korea, donald trump, lee jae myung, iran, strait of hormuz, military deployment, us-south korea alliance, middle east, anti-war protests, shipping protection, news, world
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/18/south-korea-will-not-send-military-to-support-us-war-on-iran-defying-trump-pressure
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-09-18T05:54:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south korea, donald trump, lee jae myung, iran, strait of hormuz, military deployment, us-south korea alliance, middle east, anti-war protests, shipping protection, news, world
## Seoul says no to Iran war
South Korea's president Lee Jae Myung has ruled out deploying military to the Middle East in a way that could draw the country into conflict with Iran.

> There won't be deployment that would involve or enter war. I can tell you that very clearly.
## Trump pressured Seoul for support
Trump has criticized South Korea for insufficient support for the Iran war and scaled back major joint military drills with Seoul this summer, unsettling the US ally.
## Domestic opposition runs deep
South Korea's government has been reviewing a possible deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, but the idea is proving unpopular with the public and lawmakers.
## Seoul will protect its own shipping
Lee said South Korea must do the minimum to protect its commercial shipping and crude oil shipments, similar to other countries maintaining regional naval presence.
## Trade deal tensions linger
Lee said concern over commercial viability is the main sticking point in reaching an agreement with the US on Seoul's $350 billion investment commitment under their trade deal.
## Trump seeks North Korea talks
Lee said a meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is possible in coming months, with both leaders wanting dialogue, though many factors must align.
## Key takeaway

South Korea will not send troops to support a US conflict with Iran, despite Trump's criticism of Seoul's insufficient support.