The Donald Trump administration again pressed for an expanded role for the Korean government in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 6th (local time), a White House official, referring to the Korean government's review of ways to make a military contribution in the Strait of Hormuz, told Voice of America (VOA), "Korea is one of the major importers of Middle Eastern crude oil," adding, "We are still waiting for Korea to commit resources to the region."
A U.S. Department of Defense official also responded to a related inquiry by saying, "President Trump has publicly said that he expects allies to step up and support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." However, regarding the possibility of specific assets or troop deployments, the official said, "Please contact the Korean government."
On the 30th, in a media interview, President Trump repeated his claim that Korea and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members did not help the United States in relation to the Iran war, saying, "We will remember that." He also said that if allies do not step up for the United States, the United States cannot provide unilateral help.
Among these developments, a Blue House official said on the 4th that Korea is reviewing ways to make a practical contribution in the Strait of Hormuz, and that a military contribution is included among the options.