By Fatma Younis
South Korea plans to expand its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit's operations to waters closer to the Strait of Hormuz, the defense ministry announced Thursday. The move follows pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for Seoul to support his war in Iran.
Parliamentary approval required
The government will submit a motion to parliament to extend the unit's area of operation to waters near the port of Duqm in Oman, about 650 kilometers (403 miles) from the strait. The motion also requires approval from President Lee Jae Myung and the cabinet.
Non-combat mission
A defense ministry official said the enhancement aims to protect South Korean citizens and safeguard economic interests. The reinforcement is strictly for non-combat purposes, and the unit will operate independently of allied forces. Operations will remain restricted to open waters south of Oman, and maritime patrol aircraft will be prohibited from targeting or monitoring Iranian territory, territorial waters, or the interior of the Strait of Hormuz.
Unit background and expansion
The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 to ensure safe navigation of commercial vessels. The motion also seeks to extend the unit's Middle East deployment, set to expire at the end of 2026. The unit currently includes a 4,400-ton-class destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and about 300 service members. Seoul also plans to deploy a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and increase personnel by 75.
Oil dependence drives policy
South Korea relies heavily on Middle East oil, sourcing 70% of its supplies from the region in 2025, most delivered through the Strait of Hormuz. President Lee said in September he would not deploy military assets in a way that could draw the country into conflict, but Seoul was reviewing a greater role in safeguarding navigation.
