Stories
South Korea Weighs Expanding Military Operations in Middle East
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CNBC TV18•16-10-2026, 13:42
South Korea Weighs Expanding Military Operations in Middle East
- •South Korea is reviewing an expansion of its military operations in the Middle East amid pressure from US President Donald Trump.
- •Seoul is considering expanding the operational area of the Cheonghae anti-piracy unit from the Gulf of Aden to the Gulf of Oman.
- •The administration plans to submit a motion to parliament to extend the unit's mission before its mandate expires.
- •The government is also considering sending a frigate to the region to reinforce ongoing operations.
- •President Lee Jae Myung previously stated South Korea would not deploy military assets in a way that draws the country into the conflict.
Key Questions Answered
South Korea is reviewing an expansion of its military operations due to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized Seoul for providing insufficient support for the war in Iran.
Seoul is considering expanding the operational area of its Cheonghae anti-piracy unit from the Gulf of Aden to include the Gulf of Oman, submitting a motion to extend its mission before it expires on December 31, 2026, and potentially sending a frigate.
The Cheonghae anti-piracy unit was originally deployed to the Gulf of Aden in 2009. According to broadcaster YTN, the unit currently includes a 4,400-tonne-class destroyer, a maritime operations helicopter, up to three rigid-hull inflatable boats, and around 300 service personnel.
