Protests Erupt in South Korea Against Potential Troop Deployment to Strait of Hormuz

Protesters in South Korea are rallying against the potential deployment of South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz, expressing calls for peace amid pressure from the U.S. The demonstrations occurred near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on Thursday, September 10, featuring banners with images of U.S. President Donald Trump crossed out in red. Some protesters held signs stating, "Do not join a war of aggression" as South Korean leaders consider contributing to security in the region. This protest follows increased pressure from Trump on South Korea to assist in Middle Eastern operations after peace talks recently collapsed and oil prices surged. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose to $101.21 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude closed at $96.05 per barrel, following attacks on oil infrastructure in the Middle East that raised concerns over supply disruptions. The protests emerged a day after South Korean defense officials dispatched a fact-finding mission to evaluate the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, although they emphasized that no decision had been made regarding troop deployment. Many South Koreans oppose military involvement in U.S. operations against Iran, which has warned that such a deployment would be seen as direct support for aggression and could lead to serious consequences. Jung Kyung-jik of the civic group People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy stated that troop deployment would signify participation in an illegal war, citing violations of international law linked to U.S. actions in Iran. In mid-August, Trump revealed that he had requested assistance from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the conflict with Iran, to which the president reportedly responded, "No, thanks!"