U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 11th (local time), when the United States and Iran entered cease-fire talks in Pakistan, that the United States has begun work to "clean up" the Strait of Hormuz for Korea and other countries around the world.
Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social that "the United States is beginning the process of cleaning up the Strait of Hormuz."
He said, "This is an action for countries around the world, including China, Japan, Korea, France and Germany," adding that it is "to ensure the safe passage of global energy shipments."
He added, "Amazingly, they do not have the courage or the will to do this job themselves," and said, "But very interestingly, empty tankers from many countries are coming to the United States to load oil."
Trump did not disclose specific operational plans. However, it appears the focus will be on addressing threats to commercial shipping, such as mine clearance.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Twenty percent of the world's oil shipments pass through it. Iran has blocked vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz during its war with the United States.
Trump asked allies, including Korea, to dispatch warships, but he expressed displeasure when countries refused or took a cautious stance.
His latest remarks are also seen as stemming from the perception that the United States is solving the Strait of Hormuz blockade issue—which countries in Asia, including China, Japan and Korea, as well as in Europe, should address—in their stead.