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: Iran warned Seoul against deploying forces to the region under the pretext of helping reopen the strait, saying further military involvement would complicate an already volatile regional situation. Seoul says the mission is solely to protect South Korean nationals and economic interests and is seeking National Assembly approval.

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.

Iran warned Seoul against deploying forces to the region under the pretext of helping reopen the strait, saying further military involvement would complicate an already volatile regional situation. Seoul says the mission is solely to protect South Korean nationals and economic interests and is seeking National Assembly approval.