South Korea to help keep Hormuz Strait open

SEOUL, South Korea - The government intends to broaden the scope of the anti-piracy Cheonghae unit's operations nearer to the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Defence Ministry. This move comes in response to US President Donald Trump's call for enhanced support during the conflict in Iran. The Cheonghae unit, which has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, is set to submit a request to parliament to prolong its deployment to the Middle East beyond its current expiration date of 2026, a ministry spokesperson confirmed, supporting an earlier report by Yonhap News Agency.

The Cheonghae unit currently comprises a 4,400-ton-class destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and approximately 300 personnel. The proposed motion to parliament, which requires approval from President Lee Jae Myung and the cabinet, would see the unit's area of operation expanded to waters close to the port of Duqm in Oman, situated approximately 650 km (403 miles) from the strait.

Additionally, South Korea plans to deploy a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and augment the unit's personnel by 75, as reported by the Korea Herald. Trump had criticized Seoul for its perceived lack of support for the Iran war and reduced major joint military drills between the two countries' armed forces in the summer, actions that unsettled the US ally.

South Korea heavily depends on oil imports, with 70% of its supplies originating from the Middle East in 2025, primarily transported through the Strait of Hormuz, noted the Industry Ministry. In response to these developments, South Korea's leader stated on September 18 that the country would not deploy military assets to the Middle East in a manner that could potentially draw the nation into conflict.

However, he also mentioned that Seoul was evaluating the possibility of assuming a more significant role in ensuring safe navigation in the region.