SEOUL, Nov 5 — South Korea plans to expand the operations of its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit to waters closer to the Strait of Hormuz, following pressure from United States (US) President Donald Trump to provide support for the war in Iran.
A Defence Ministry spokesman said the government will submit a motion to Parliament to extend the unit's deployment to the Middle East, which is set to expire at the end of 2026, confirming a Yonhap News Agency report.
The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 to ensure safe navigation of commercial vessels.
Broadcaster YTN reported that it currently includes a 4,400-ton-class destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and around 300 service members.
The motion to be submitted to Parliament, which President Lee Jae Myung and the Cabinet must approve, would expand the unit's area of operation to waters near the port of Duqm in Oman, about 650km from the Strait.
The Korea Herald reported that Seoul will also deploy a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and increase the unit's personnel by 75.
Trump has criticised Seoul for what he called insufficient support for the Iran war and scaled back major joint military drills by the two countries' armed forces this summer, a move that unsettled the US ally.
South Korea relies heavily on oil imports, with the Industry Ministry stating that 70 per cent of its supplies are sourced from the Middle East in 2025, most of it delivered through the Strait of Hormuz.
On September 18, Lee said he would not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a way that could draw the country into conflict, but that Seoul is reviewing playing a greater role in safeguarding navigation in the region.
