Protesters in Seoul urge government not to send troops to Strait of Hormuz
In Seoul, South Korea, dozens of people held a protest on September 9 against the possible deployment of South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz. Participants called on the country's authorities not to join US operations in the region.
Rally near the US Embassy
Protesters gathered opposite the US Embassy complex in Seoul and carried placards calling for no participation in a war of aggression. AFP estimated that about 60 people took part in the rally on the steps near the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
Channel NewsAsia reports that the action took place amid Seoul's discussion of a possible contribution to security in the Strait of Hormuz. The previous day, South Korean defense authorities said they had dispatched a mission to assess the situation in the strait, stressing that a decision on a possible deployment of forces had not yet been made.
South Korea has also said it is considering contributing to US security efforts along the strait if this does not harm the combat readiness of its armed forces.
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Iran's and protesters' reaction
Iran warned that the deployment of South Korean forces would be regarded as direct support for the side responsible for aggression and would have serious consequences. Jeong Kyung-jik, a representative of the civic group People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, told AFP that he shares Tehran's position.
According to him, sending South Korean troops to the region would mean direct participation in what he called an illegal war. He also alleged violations of international law as a result of US attacks on Iran, including the bombing of an elementary school and energy infrastructure.
Choi Young-ok, a member of Korean Peace Solidarity for Sovereignty and Reunification, said that a possible military deployment would inevitably lead to casualties. According to AFP, if a decision is made to send armed forces to the strait, Seoul would need approval by a majority vote in South Korea's National Assembly.
Situation in the strait
According to AFP, Iran maintains tight control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies passed before the war. The United States is pressuring its allies in an effort to involve them in operations in the region.
