South Korea to deploy military mission near Strait of Hormuz to keep waterway open

South Korea's defense ministry said it will send a destroyer, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal team, and unmanned vehicles to waters near the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping and energy supplies. The deployment expands the Cheonghae anti-piracy unit's area and requires parliamentary approval; Seoul insists it is non-combat and independent of allied forces.