Speaking during a high-profile press conference at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung addressed critical national security and foreign policy matters facing his administration. Addressing ongoing Middle East tensions, President Lee explicitly confirmed that South Korea will not deploy military forces or combat units to intervene in escalating conflicts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. While emphasizing that Seoul will maintain necessary naval security measures to protect its merchant shipping and sovereign crude oil import corridors, the administration ruled out joining broader combat operations. Turning to regional diplomacy, President Lee stated that US President Donald Trump intends to re-engage in direct diplomatic dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Despite recent sharp rhetoric from Pyongyang criticizing joint military exercises, South Korea confirmed it is actively coordinating preliminary diplomatic framework efforts to facilitate high-level talks between Washington and North Korea. Defense analysts highlight that South Korea's balanced diplomatic stance aims to preserve its core security alliance with the United States while safeguarding national economic interests and regional stability in East Asia. Preserving Peninsula Security and Strategic Alliance Limits Addressing media representatives during a press conference in Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung clarified the nation's strategic position regarding growing geopolitical pressures linked to Middle East hostilities. President Lee reaffirmed that the bilateral alliance with the United States remains the cornerstone of South Korea’s national defense. However, he unequivocally stated that the government will not dispatch troops or deploy combat military assets that would draw Seoul into an active armed conflict involving Iran or regional theaters. Balancing Energy Protection and Non-Intervention Principles While firmly ruling out offensive combat deployments, President Lee indicated that the government is evaluating limited, non-combat options to protect South Korean commercial vessels navigating critical maritime chokepoints. Given South Korea's heavy reliance on Middle Eastern crude imports transported through the Strait of Hormuz, the administration is considering whether to adjust the operational mandate of its anti-piracy naval unit (the Cheonghae unit) strictly for independent escort and humanitarian navigation duties. Officials emphasized that any protective measures would operate distinctly from foreign military coalitions engaged in direct combat operations.Peninsula Deterrence Remains Core Focus Defense analysts point out that Seoul’s cautious stance reflects both domestic political considerations and the imperative to maintain focused readiness on the Korean Peninsula. With North Korea continuing to advance its missile capabilities and military posture, South Korean defense planners maintain that shifting critical naval or air defense assets overseas would risk creating operational gaps in primary homeland deterrence. Reaffirming the strategic framework, the Lee administration reiterated that South Korea will fulfill its alliance obligations primarily through shared intelligence, logistics, and regional stability in Northeast Asia.