South Korea to deploy military mission to help keep Hormuz open

South Korea plans to bolster its naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the waterway remains open for global shipping, amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The South Korean defense ministry announced plans to deploy maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team, and additional resources to the region. These measures come as the US-Iran war has disrupted shipping through Hormuz, which normally transports about a fifth of the world's oil.

South Korea will expand the operational area of its Cheonghae naval unit, which currently protects commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden. However, the deployment will not involve troops on the ground or direct military action against Iran. The increased naval presence aims to safeguard South Korean economic interests and protect commercial shipping in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

The Cheonghae unit's enhanced mission will operate independently from allied forces and remain focused on open waters south of Oman, avoiding targeting or monitoring Iranian territory. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reiterated the country's commitment to non-involvement in the conflict, emphasizing that it will continue to uphold this principle.

Tehran has warned South Korea against any deployment that could be perceived as military intervention.