Middle East & Hormuz: President Lee Jae-myung said South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets in a way that draws it into the Iran war, while considering ways to strengthen protection of merchant vessels and crude oil routes via the Cheonghae unit. North Korea Response: Kim Yo Jong condemned U.S.-led drills, warning Pyongyang will take “more offensive” actions and further strengthen nuclear deterrence. U.S.-ROK Coordination: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met U.S. lawmakers in Washington, urging active support for the Joint Fact Sheet and stressing alliance cooperation amid shifting security conditions. Domestic Politics: Lee also reiterated he has “absolutely no intention” of seeking a second term, as approval ratings fell to a new low of 37% amid controversy over cabinet nominations and real estate concerns. Labor Pushback: The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions demanded Seoul halt its Hormuz troop-deployment review, calling it complicity in an unlawful war. Security Court Ruling: South Korea’s Supreme Court upheld a four-year prison term for an ex-soldier convicted of leaking military secrets to China. Health Policy: The National Health Insurance Service cut prices for 80 widely used drugs under price-volume agreements, aiming to ease insurer burdens.