South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's demand for military deployment to the Middle East, defying pressure to support the war in Iran. Lee confirmed no military assets will be sent to the region, despite Trump's calls for allied forces to the Strait of Hormuz.
Lee said he is reviewing a possible role in safeguarding navigation in the region, noting concerns over commercial shipping and safety. South Korea maintains a naval presence off Somalia for anti-piracy missions. Trump has criticized Seoul for insufficient support and scaled back military drills, prompting domestic debate over the deployment.
The U.S. and South Korea are nearing agreement on a $350 billion investment deal, though concerns over commercial viability remain. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has banned three media outlets from White House access, sparking legal challenges over free speech rights. Zelensky and Trump are set to meet in New York, aiming to advance diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and security issues.