South Korea is seeking legislative approval to move a naval unit closer to the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran’s objection and Seoul’s stated policy of staying out of the war, The Korea Herald reported Tuesday.
The newspaper reported that South Korea’s Cabinet approved a plan to extend the Cheonghae Unit’s deployment, broaden its operating area and add military equipment. The plan would extend the unit’s operating area to waters south of Oman, with the Gulf of Aden off Somalia as its current zone. Seoul says the operation would stop short of the Strait of Hormuz.
The planned package includes an aircraft for maritime patrols, specialists who handle explosive ordnance and unmanned gear intended for mine countermeasures, the report said.
A South Korean Foreign Ministry official told the newspaper that the mission is intended to protect South Korean citizens and the country’s economic interests while avoiding involvement in the conflict. The official said Seoul was continuing consultations with Iran and other concerned countries.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei warned Seoul on Monday against sending forces to the region. He said a deployment should not be presented as help to reopen the strait and warned that further military involvement could heighten regional tensions, The Korea Herald reported.
The government is seeking National Assembly approval for the proposed mission.
