U.S. President Donald Trump, who had asked five countries including Korea to dispatch warships to guard the Strait of Hormuz, said this time he is discussing the deployment of warships with a total of seven countries.
On the 15th (local time), aboard Air Force One returning from Florida to Washington, D.C., President Trump met with reporters and said the U.S. administration is consulting with seven countries to support securing safety in the Strait of Hormuz, adding, "I think we are getting a positive response."
Earlier, through the social media platform Truth Social, President Trump said he had requested the dispatch of warships from five countries—Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France—but the number of counterparts has since increased by two. Asked which countries are participating, he said, "I can't say," adding, "Some countries have shown a positive response, and some are reluctant to be involved."
Trump also pressed these countries to send warships. He said, "I really want these countries to step up and protect their own territory," adding, "because it is, in effect, like their territory."
He also said, "Whether we get support or not, I can say one thing. We told them as well, but we will remember (whether they participate)," hinting there could be a price for not taking part.
In particular, noting that China brings in 90% of its total oil through the Strait of Hormuz, he said China's participation "will be an interesting case to watch."
Since Trump put forward the "Hormuz escort coalition" idea, senior U.S. government officials have reportedly been contacting the relevant countries to confirm their willingness to participate. A source familiar with the matter told the U.S. online outlet Axios, "It was a very busy weekend of diplomacy among the United States and allies in Europe, the Gulf, and Asia."
Details of the so-called "Hormuz coalition" are expected to be announced later this week. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) previously reported that the Trump administration would unveil plans this week regarding each country's dispatch of warships to the Strait of Hormuz.