Seoul: South Korea's Blue House clarified on Saturday that President Lee Jae Myung's recent comments about ruling out troop deployments that could involve the country in a war should not be interpreted as a refusal of US President Donald Trump's request for Seoul to send forces to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to Anadolu Agency, a presidential official, speaking anonymously, stated that President Lee did not outright reject Trump's appeal for South Korean cooperation on Middle East-related issues during a press conference. The media outlet highlighted that Lee emphasized, "there will be no dispatch of troops that will lead to involvement in a conflict. There will be no engagement or involvement in war."

The official further elaborated that the South Korean government is actively reviewing "practical ways to contribute" in collaboration with the international community. The focus remains on finding viable contributions that align with South Korea's principle of not engaging in wars or combat.

Seoul is currently exploring concrete options to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amidst increasing pressure from Washington. This strategic waterway is vital for South Korea's energy needs, while the ongoing conflict involving Iran and heightened activities by Yemen's Houthi group around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have escalated concerns regarding shipping routes and crude oil supplies.