Civic organizations in South Korea have voiced their opposition to President Donald Trump's request for the deployment of Korean naval forces to the Persian Gulf, asserting that such action would violate both national and international laws against aggressive warfare. The Call to Action (참여연대) group stated that they cannot condone involvement in what they classify as invasion wars, particularly in light of the United States' previous claims that military operations against Iran are preventive measures against imminent threats, which they argue are unsubstantiated and lack evidence. They cite Article 5, Section 1 of the Korean Constitution, which emphasizes the nation's efforts to maintain international peace and explicitly denies aggressive warfare.

On October 14, Trump expressed via social media that many nations including South Korea, Japan, China, France, and Britain should send vessels to ensure safety in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, civic groups highlighted that such a maneuver would be contrary to the United Nations Charter that restricts the conditions under which military force can be employed. The statement underscored that the claims of imminent threat from Iran to South Korea or to US allies have not been substantiated with evidence, raising questions about the legitimacy of the requested troop deployment.

Furthermore, civic leaders expressed concerns over the escalating tensions in the region, particularly Iran's hostile actions against US military bases and its diplomatic representatives in the Middle East. They warned that deploying South Korean forces to the region would abandon the government's obligation to protect its citizens and businesses abroad, possibly making Korea a target for Iranian retaliation. This bold stance against the military involvement reflects the sentiments of the citizens, showing a strong inclination towards peace and caution against escalation of international conflicts.