Lee Rules Out South Korean Deployment Into Iran War, Reviews Shipping Protection

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he would not send troops or military assets in any form that would involve the country in the Iran war. Speaking at a televised press conference in Seoul, Lee said the government must still protect citizens, merchant ships and crude-oil transport routes. He said officials are reviewing stronger measures through the existing Cheonghae naval unit, which is already assigned to anti-piracy and shipping-security duties. The decision follows a South Korean assessment team’s return from the United Arab Emirates after reviewing security conditions in the Middle East.