Tensions have surfaced regarding South Korea’s potential involvement in a US-led initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian academic, stated that if South Korea participates in the mission, Tehran would view the nation as an adversary. According to Marandi, such an alignment would expose South Korean economic and military interests throughout the Persian Gulf to potential Iranian retaliation.

This warning was delivered during an appearance on the program 'The Grand Standoff' on Al Mayadeen. The comments arrive at a time when the South Korean government is actively weighing whether to provide naval or military support to international efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. While the US has been pushing for a coalition to protect commercial shipping, Iran has consistently opposed foreign military presence in the area, characterizing such efforts as hostile.

There is currently no official confirmation from the South Korean government regarding the extent or nature of its potential participation in the mission. The situation remains fluid as Seoul balances its security alliance with the United States against the potential risks to its economic and diplomatic interests in the Middle East.