Cheong Wa Dae: "Weighing Expansion, Strengthening of Cheonghae Unit Operations in Strait of Hormuz"

▲ Cheong Wa Dae

Regarding the issue of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been threatened following the war between the United States and Iran, Cheong Wa Dae stated that it is "deliberating on measures such as expanding and strengthening the Cheonghae Unit, though the review has not yet been finalized."

Wi Sung-lac, director of the National Security Office, held a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae today (October 30) and made the remarks, saying, "In close communication with the international community regarding the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the government continues to seek ways to play a necessary role and make contributions to protect our citizens and safeguard our economic interests."

Reiterating the principle stated by President Lee Jae-myung that "we will never participate or intervene in the war," Wi explained, "We will maintain the stance of carrying out the minimum necessary activities and making international contributions to protect our merchant vessels, secure crude oil shipping routes, and safeguard the lives and safety of our people."

He also noted, "Even before the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz arose, many nations—not only us, but also the United Kingdom, France, and Japan—have dispatched major military assets such as destroyers and maritime patrol aircraft to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa for ship escorts and safe navigation support."

He added, "Since the situation in the Strait of Hormuz emerged, major countries have been moving to deploy additional naval vessels and aircraft."

Wi added, "Taking these factors into account, we are exploring our minimum necessary role," stating, "Once specific measures are established, we will explain them transparently and clearly to the public and the National Assembly."

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