South Korea Rejects Trump Pressure, Says It Will Not Send Troops for US-Israel War on Iran

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said on September 18, 2026, that his government will not send troops or military assets to intervene in the US-Israeli war against Iran, publicly rejecting pressure from President Donald Trump to join the effort. Trump had criticized Seoul in recent weeks for not helping defend the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to the presence of American troops in South Korea that guard against North Korea.

Rather than a combat deployment, Lee said South Korea is considering expanding the operational scope of a South Korean navy destroyer and its accompanying support ships, which are already stationed off the coast of Somalia for anti-piracy operations. Any expanded role would be focused narrowly on protecting South Korean oil tankers and other commercial vessels rather than joining hostilities against Iran.

A South Korean government spokesperson said the country must maintain its military readiness on the Korean Peninsula to guard against North Korea, underscoring the limits on Seoul's ability to commit forces elsewhere. The decision highlights the diplomatic balancing act facing South Korea as it navigates its alliance with Washington while avoiding direct involvement in the widening Middle East conflict.