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Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, speaks during a weekly press briefing in Tehran, Iran, on the 3rd (local time). / Xinhua, Yonhap

Iran has issued a warning to South Korea as Seoul weighs options regarding a potential troop dispatch to the Strait of Hormuz.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated in Korean via social media on the 7th (local time), "Relations between Iran and the Republic of Korea span over 64 years of history, and bilateral ties have consistently developed on the foundation of mutual respect," adding, "Iran places great importance on its friendly relations with the Republic of Korea."

Baghaei continued, "However, at a time when the Iranian people are defending themselves against aggressive acts by the U.S. and resolutely responding to U.S. war crimes against women and children, any military presence or operational participation by other nations in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz cannot be viewed as anything other than direct support for the aggressor, and will bring about serious consequences."

Baghaei added, "No sovereign and responsible nation should succumb to U.S. pressure and coercion to become an accomplice in aggression and egregious crimes against the great Iranian people."

Along with the message, he shared an image bearing the phrase, "Dangerous choices come with a price."

Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported on Baghaei's remarks, noting that Tehran had issued a warning against any South Korean military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

                                                                                                           Kim Hyun-min