India, Sept. 5 -- Iran has warned South Korea that deploying military forces or assets to the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as direct military aggression and active participation in the war. While Seoul weighs potential deployment options under pressure from Washington, the South Korean Presidential Office has clarified that no final decision has been reached.

Context Behind the Friction

U.S. Pressure: U.S. President Donald Trump has heavily pressured Seoul to contribute to operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump even noted that he scaled back joint military exercises in part due to South Korea's initial reluctance to assist.

Seoul's Dilemma: South Korea relies on the Strait of Hormuz for approximately 61% of its crude oil imports...