Ormuz. South Korea strengthens naval mission in the strait

South Korea plans to expand its anti-piracy naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz, responding to U.S. pressure for military contributions to maritime security. The Cheonghae unit, currently protecting commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, will extend operations to waters near Hormuz, pending parliamentary approval. This move aims to safeguard South Korean citizens and merchant ships amid rising piracy and prepare for potential international demining operations. The deployment will include a destroyer, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and unmanned systems, but will remain non-combatant and avoid Iranian territorial waters. President Lee Jae-myung reiterated South Korea's commitment to non-intervention in conflicts, despite U.S. calls for military support against Iran.