Iran has warned South Korea against expanding the mission of its Cheonghae Unit, using a Korean proverb to caution Seoul against following the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei posted an image on social media featuring the proverb and said sending naval forces, military equipment or logistical personnel could be treated as hostile and unlawful involvement. He argued that such participation would violate the UN Charter’s ban on the use of force and said navigation protection or anti-piracy efforts would not justify it.
South Korea is considering extending the unit’s operating area south of Oman and adding maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and unmanned mine-clearing equipment, while its Foreign Ministry says the mission is intended to protect citizens and economic interests without entering the Iran war.