U.S. President Donald Trump on the 20th (local time) mentioned a "gradual wind-down" of military operations against Iran. He again said that major users of energy passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including Korea, China and Japan, should support the normalization of navigation in the strait.
Trump posted on the social network service Truth Social, "As we consider ways to gradually wind down our large-scale military effort in the Middle East against Iran's terrorist regime, we are very close to achieving our military objectives," and stated accordingly.
At the same time, he presented five operational objectives: ◇ neutralizing Iran's missile capabilities and launchers ▲ destroying Iran's defense industrial base ▲ neutralizing Iran's navy and air force, including air defenses ▲ completely blocking Iran's nuclear capabilities and, even if that situation arises, maintaining the posture for the United States to respond swiftly and forcefully ▲ protecting Middle East allies at the highest level.
Earlier at the White House, Trump told reporters that "we do not cease fire when we are literally devastating the other side," indicating he would not agree to a cease-fire with Iran.
Amid this, Trump emphasized contributions from allies such as Korea and Japan to normalize traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meeting with reporters, Trump said of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded, "We are doing very well there," adding, "We do not use that strait. We do not need it."
He went on, "Europe, Korea, Japan, China and many other countries need it, so they should be involved," stressing, "It would be good if the countries that use the strait got involved."
Previously, Trump had asked seven countries, including Korea, Japan, China, the United Kingdom and France, to join an operation to escort oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran is blockading.
After those countries did not express clear support, Trump voiced strong displeasure, saying, "We do not need help."
To the question, "Does Korea still want to support the United States?" Trump answered, "I love Korea. We have a great relationship with Korea. We are helping Korea a lot."
In his Truth Social post, Trump also said, "The Strait of Hormuz should be guarded and policed, as needed, by other countries that use it."
He added, "If requested, we will help these countries with their efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz, but once the Iranian threat is eradicated, that will not be necessary," and said, "The important thing is that, for these countries, it will be an easy military operation."