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US Redeploys THAAD, Patriot to Middle East; Attention on Potential ROK Military Support Request
US Military Asset Redeployment to Middle East and Debate on ROK Military Support
As some of United States Forces Korea (USFK)'s THAAD and Patriot missile defense systems are being redeployed to the Middle East, the possibility of the US requesting support from the South Korean military is emerging. In this regard, attention is focused on the South Korean government's official stance.
On March 6, during a session at the National Assembly, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Sang-hoon inquired whether there had been any requests for military or non-military support or cooperation from the United States. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun-ho clearly stated, "No, there have not been," confirming that no official request from the US has been made to date.
US-ROK High-Level Communication and Japan's Situation
Although no official request has been made by the US, high-level communication between South Korea and the US continues. The Ministry of National Defense has shared Middle East geopolitical developments with the US side, and a visit by a senior US State Department official to South Korea is also scheduled. While the official agenda covers overall ROK-US issues, the possibility of the Middle East situation being discussed cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Japan faces similar concerns. Japanese media outlets are discussing the possibility of the US requesting support from Japan, such as escorting oil tankers or mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Japanese government is cautiously monitoring the situation.
Potential for Expanded Role for the South Korean Military
The most likely support scenario being discussed in South Korea is expanding the mission scope of the Cheonghae Unit, currently dispatched to the Gulf of Aden, rather than deploying direct combat troops. This would likely involve cooperation in stabilizing maritime transport routes.
Indeed, in 2020, when military tensions between the US and Iran escalated, South Korea expanded the Cheonghae Unit's operational area to include the Strait of Hormuz and other locations. This can serve as a precedent for how South Korea might contribute in similar future contingencies.
*Source: YouTube: JTBC News (2026-03-12)*
