U.S. President Donald Trump directly mentioned that a Korean cargo ship was damaged by Iran's armed provocation and urged the Korean government to join militarily in the multinational ship protection operation "Project Freedom (PROJECT FREEDOM)."
The Korean government, which had been cautiously determining the cause of the cargo ship explosion, is now seen as being forced to choose between alliance security and Middle East risks, after the United States officially named Iran as the culprit and even requested troop deployment.
On the 4th (local time), President Trump released a statement on the social media platform Truth Social saying, "Iran carried out attacks related to the ship transit operation Project Freedom on countries that had nothing to do with it, including a Korean cargo ship." He added, "Perhaps now it's time for Korea to come and join the mission."
This is interpreted as a remark that directly pressures an ally to make an active military contribution. In March, President Trump asked Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, and others to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, and when there was no response, he expressed displeasure. This time, he again used the damage as justification to repeat his call for participation.
The U.S. government has concluded that Iran was behind the cargo ship attack and has launched a large-scale counterstrike. President Trump said, "We shot down seven small boats, or what they like to call 'fast' boats," boasting of the military gains reported by U.S. forces, and added, "That's all they have left." He went on, "At this point, aside from the Korean ship, there has been no other damage in the course of transiting the strait," emphasizing that Korea became a primary target. Project Freedom is a coalition operation led by the United States to break Iran's maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key crude oil route, and ensure the safe passage of civilian vessels. Because about 70% of the crude oil imported into Korea passes through this area, Korea has continually borne the risk of devastating economic damage from a blockade of the strait.
The Korean government had explored joining a separate escort coalition led by the United Kingdom and France, delaying a clear answer to the U.S. request. But with the U.S. commander in chief himself highlighting the damage to a Korean cargo ship, it will likely be difficult to stick to an independent course.
U.S. War Minister Pete Hegseth and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Dan Caine will hold an official press conference on the morning of the 5th to explain specific operational details of Project Freedom and ways for allies to participate. At this event, direct requests for Korean troop deployment or pressure over expense sharing are likely to intensify. There is also concern it could amount to a final ultimatum effectively pressing for participation in the war.