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South Korea announces naval operation expansion near Strait of Hormuz

Seoul plans to extend the operating zone of its anti-piracy unit Cheonghae near the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. pressures.

5 November 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: South Korea announces naval operation expansion near Strait of Hormuz — Archive photoPhoto: Chinego · Wikimedia Commons · CC0

The South Korean Ministry of Defense announced today its intention to expand the operations of its anti-piracy unit Cheonghae closer to the Strait of Hormuz. This plan includes the deployment of maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team, surface drones, and underwater robots, aiming to safeguard navigation in the strategic waterway without involving troops in combat operations.

According to various sources, the Cheonghae unit, which has been active since 2009 off the coast of Oman, will be expanded to an area approximately 650 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz. This move comes in response to pressure from the United States, which has requested military support concerning security in the region.

South Korean authorities confirmed that the proposal for the expansion of the operational area will be submitted to parliament. The extension is seen as a way to enhance maritime security in light of increasing tensions in the Persian Gulf and its impact on oil transportation.

The South Korean government emphasizes that its mission will focus on protecting maritime trade and energy supply routes, while maintaining a non-combative stance. Nevertheless, the complex regional situation raises concerns about the potential for future conflict escalations.

In addition, South Korea aims to collaborate with other allies, although it has reaffirmed that it will not send troops to participate directly in the conflict in Iran. The decision to expand the non-combat mission is a strategic response to the growing instability in the region.

Seoul's actions and decision reflect the demands of the U.S. administration, which, under pressure, has urged its allies to increase their military presence in light of the situation in Iran and recent hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz.

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