Iranian Lawmaker Praises South Korea for Rejecting US Military Action in Strait of Hormuz

A senior Iranian lawmaker has praised South Korea for what he described as a “wise” decision to avoid joining a United States-led military campaign aimed at forcibly reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Kim Seok-ki, head of South Korea’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.

“South Korea’s refusal to participate in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz despite widespread pressure is a wise move aimed at maintaining regional stability,” Azizi stated.

He further said, “South Korea’s abstention from Security Council resolutions on the reinstatement of [anti-Iran] sanctions and the extension of Resolution 2231 last September also demonstrates the country’s commitment to rights and multilateralism.”

Azizi said Iran imposed strict control over the Strait of Hormuz following what it described as unprovoked US-Israeli aggression beginning on February 28. He added that further restrictions were introduced after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of Iranian maritime traffic, which Iran considers illegal and a violation of a ceasefire brokered on April 8.

The United States recently launched an operation dubbed “Project Freedom,” aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force. However, according to reports, the initiative was later suspended amid Iranian resistance and regional opposition.

Trump had also claimed that Iran had “taken some shots” at a South Korean-linked vessel and urged Seoul to join the US military effort. Iran, however, rejected any involvement in the incident and denied responsibility for damage to the ship.

Azizi accused Washington of misinformation following what he described as a “humiliating defeat” in the maritime operation, while reaffirming that Iran supports safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He emphasized that instability in the Persian Gulf stems from foreign military presence and regional interventions rather than Iran’s actions.

The Iranian lawmaker also highlighted that Iran–South Korea relations have traditionally been based on mutual respect and shared interests, noting that parliamentary engagement has helped strengthen bilateral ties.

He criticized countries that align with unilateral US policies, arguing that such actions hinder regional development and self-reliance. Azizi stated that “relying on rented security from extra-territorial powers is nothing more than a mirage.”

The South Korean lawmaker, in response, expressed sympathy toward the Iranian people and noted that developments in West Asia have broader global implications. He also expressed optimism about strengthening future Iran–South Korea relations.