As the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its 17th day, President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on South Korea and other nations to join a naval escort task force in the Strait of Hormuz. The South Korean government stated that it would communicate closely with the U.S. and carefully consider its decision, but Trump displayed impatience during a Financial Times interview, suggesting severe repercussions for NATO allies that fail to heed U.S. requests and implying that similar consequences could await nations that do not participate in the naval coalition. Trump's public call for participation from South Korea, China, Japan, the UK, and France underscores the urgency he associates with building this coalition to protect vessels from potential Iranian attacks.

Despite U.S. pressures, experts in diplomacy and security caution against South Korea's hasty involvement in the conflict. They argue that various factors must be considered, including the justification for entering the potential conflict, the current situation of South Korean naval forces, the necessary parliamentary approval, and the broader international context. For instance, Chang Yong-seok from Seoul National University emphasized that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is dangerous enough that even U.S. forces are hesitant to engage, urging South Korea not to become a 'bullet sponge' by joining the escort mission unprepared.

He also remarked on the necessity of adhering to international law, pointing out that this conflict lacks UN Security Council approval and that Iran is not currently attacking South Korea. Therefore, he advocates for South Korea to engage in thorough discussions with the related countries before making any decisions. The concerns are further heightened by the fact that the deployment of THAAD missile systems previously stationed in South Korea to the Middle East could weaken North Korea defense postures, complicating South Korea's security landscape further during this geopolitical tension.