South Korea to expand naval operations near Strait of Hormuz

South Korea announced plans to expand its naval operations closer to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global energy supplies, according to The Guardian. The government intends to seek parliamentary approval to extend the operational range of its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit to waters near the port of Duqm in Oman, about 650 kilometers from the strait.

France 24 reported that South Korea will deploy maritime patrol aircraft, a destroyer, an explosive ordnance disposal team, and unmanned vessels to help keep the waterway open. The mission aims to protect commercial shipping and energy supplies without engaging in military intervention in the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

The Cheonghae unit, which currently operates in the Gulf of Aden protecting commercial vessels, will have its mission area expanded pending parliamentary approval. The South Korean defense ministry emphasized that the deployment is intended to safeguard citizens and economic interests amid disruptions caused by the US-Iran war.

This move follows pressure from former US President Donald Trump related to support for the US in the Iran conflict. South Korea maintains it will not send troops for military intervention but will focus on maritime security operations near the Hormuz Strait.