**South Korea Confirms No Troop Deployment to Hormuz, Hints at Possible US-North Korea Talks**
*Published on September 18, 2026*
In a recent press conference, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addressed two significant geopolitical issues: the potential for renewed dialogue between the United States and North Korea, and South Korea's stance on military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Iran.
President Lee stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is keen on engaging in discussions with North Korea, affirming that while the path to dialogue is uncertain, it is not out of reach. “Trump clearly wants dialogue with North Korea,” Lee remarked, emphasizing that South Korea is actively working on "preliminary coordination efforts" to facilitate these discussions. He noted that resuming dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea would be less challenging than rekindling inter-Korean talks, which have been strained since the collapse of negotiations between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in February 2019.
The South Korean leader revealed that Trump intends to meet with Kim later this year, expressing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the North Korean leader. In a statement, Trump mentioned that North Korea possesses approximately 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons, while South Korean assessments estimate that Pyongyang has between 80 to 120 nuclear warheads.
Despite the potential for renewed talks, North Korea's response to Trump's overtures has been ambiguous, particularly as the regime has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years. The deteriorating inter-Korean relations have become increasingly evident, particularly following a recent court ruling in Seoul that ordered North Korea to pay approximately $32.5 million for the destruction of the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in 2020. This facility was established with the hope of improving relations but was demolished amid rising tensions.
In addition to addressing the situation with North Korea, President Lee firmly ruled out any deployment of South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have escalated due to the Iran conflict. “Let it be clear. There will be no dispatch of troops that will lead to involvement in a conflict. There will be no engagement or involvement in war,” Lee reiterated, responding to growing pressure from the U.S. and domestic protests against potential military involvement.
The South Korean government has faced significant public opposition regarding the possibility of deploying military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, with protests erupting in recent weeks. In light of these sentiments, Lee assured that South Korea would undertake only the "minimum necessary activities" to ensure the protection of its merchant vessels and oil shipping routes in the region.
As South Korea navigates these complex geopolitical waters, it is also seeking to strengthen its relationships with other regional partners. Earlier this week, the country hosted its first-ever presidential summit with five Central Asian states, aiming to enhance economic ties with these nations, many of which have close relations with Russia.
The developments in both the North Korean dialogue and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz highlight the intricate balance South Korea must maintain in its foreign policy, as it seeks to safeguard its national interests while also responding to international pressures. As the situation evolves, the South Korean government appears committed to pursuing diplomatic channels while ensuring the safety and security of its maritime interests.