Statement by Progressive Political Parties & Civil Society Organizations in South Korea & Japan

We Oppose Participation by Japan and South Korea (ROK) in the Hormuz Strait Military Operation

Progressive political parties and civil society organizations in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan held a joint meeting to discuss the ongoing war in the Middle East and the issue of military participation by East Asian countries.

Since February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military attack on Iran, tensions in the Middle East have been escalating rapidly. This war has already claimed numerous civilian lives and carries the risk of spreading throughout the entire Middle East. This invasion is also creating serious threats to the survival of humanity, including nuclear war and the climate crisis. Nevertheless, U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that its allies dispatch warships, stating that a “military operation in the Strait of Hormuz” was necessary.

We hereby state our position as follows:

First, we oppose the attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, affirming that it constitutes a clear act of aggression that threatens the lives of ordinary people and seriously undermines the international legal order, including the UN Charter. We demand an immediate end of the war, recognizing that the escalation of armed conflict is heightening tensions in the Middle East and threatening international peace, stability, and the very existence of humanity.

We urge the parties concerned to immediately cease all military actions and resolve the conflict through peaceful means in accordance with international law and international agreements.

Second, we strongly urge the governments of the ROK and Japan not to participate in any military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of their scale. Direct or indirect military intervention will only serve to escalate the situation and will not contribute to resolving the problem. 

Furthermore, we demand that they refuse to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, deny permission for the dispatch and deployment of naval vessels and aircraft from U.S. military bases in their respective countries, and clearly uphold the principles of peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the U.N. Charter, international law, and their national constitutions. 

Third, we believe that civil society in East Asia must make every effort to prevent the escalation of this situation and achieve a swift and peaceful resolution, and that we must cooperate closely to defend peace. 

Overcoming the past and historical complexities, we, the civil society organizations of the ROK and Japan, will continue to expand our cooperation for peacebuilding. We will continue to oppose war and militarism and pursue joint efforts to maintain and promote international peace. Furthermore, we express our solidarity with the international peace movements that oppose the use of force and advocate for peaceful resolutions. 

Participating Organizations of the Korea-Japan Progressive Parties and Civil Society Online Joint Meeting

(ROK) Justice Party, Green Party Korea, Labor Party, Platform C, Workers Paving the Way to Equality, People’s Solidarity for Social Progress 

(Japan) Greens Japan, Social Democratic Party, Japanese Communist Party, Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo), No More Okinawa Battle, Japan Peace Committee