SEOUL REITERATES NONINVOLVEMENT IN IRAN WAR AS TEHRAN WARNS AGAINST NAVAL DEPLOYMENT

What happened: South Korea's Cabinet approved extending the Cheonghae Unit's deployment, expanding its operational area and sending additional military assets, while Seoul reiterated it would not become involved in the war with Iran. Why it matters: Tehran warned Seoul against deploying forces near the Strait of Hormuz, saying further military involvement would complicate an already volatile regional situation. Seoul says the expanded mission is solely to protect citizens and economic interests.

South Korea's Cabinet approved extending the Cheonghae Unit's deployment, expanding its operational area and sending additional military assets, while Seoul reiterated it would not become involved in the war with Iran.

Tehran warned Seoul against deploying forces near the Strait of Hormuz, saying further military involvement would complicate an already volatile regional situation. Seoul says the expanded mission is solely to protect citizens and economic interests.