South Korea plans to expand naval operations closer to the Strait of Hormuz
Mission area could be extended
The Defence Ministry said Seoul would seek parliamentary approval to expand the Cheonghae unit’s operating area to waters about 650km from the Strait of Hormuz. The unit’s anti-piracy mission would move closer to the strategically important waterway.
A ministry official said the change was intended to protect South Korean citizens and economic interests. The official added that the reinforcement would be non-combat and independent of allied forces.
Plan follows Trump criticism
Donald Trump has criticised South Korea for what he described as insufficient support for the Iran war. He also scaled back major joint military drills between the two countries this summer, unsettling the US ally.
Deployment extension and added assets
The proposal also seeks to extend the Cheonghae unit’s Middle East deployment, which is due to expire at the end of 2026. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the motion, following a report by Yonhap news agency. The Korea Herald reported that South Korea would also send a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and add 75 personnel to the unit.
Key points
- South Korea is seeking approval to move Cheonghae unit operations closer to the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Defence Ministry says the expanded mission would be non-combat and independent of allied forces.
- The proposal would extend the unit’s deployment beyond its scheduled end in 2026.
- Trump has criticised Seoul over its support for the Iran war.