On Monday, former President Donald Trump called on South Korea to join the U.S. naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a South Korean cargo ship. Trump posted this message on his platform, Truth Social, at 1:16 PM.
"Iran has targeted non-combatant nations regarding the movement of vessels under Project Liberty, including a South Korean freighter. Perhaps it's time for South Korea to join the mission!" Trump declared while downplaying the Iranian attacks, stating that "besides the South Korean ship, no other damages have been reported while crossing the strait."
The incident prompting Trump's appeal involved the HMM Namu, a South Korean-flagged freighter that experienced an explosion and fire on Sunday night while anchored near Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates.
All 24 crew members on board—comprising six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals—were unharmed.
The Seoul government confirmed it is investigating whether Iran was behind the attack, which would mark the first assault on a South Korean vessel since the strait's closure. They noted that 26 South Korean-flagged ships are currently stranded in the area.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated its intention to communicate "closely with relevant countries regarding this issue and will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our vessels and crew within the Strait of Hormuz."
Trump further mentioned in his message that U.S. forces had destroyed seven Iranian small boats, referred to as "fast boats," although Admiral Brad Cooper of the Central Command (CENTCOM) had previously confirmed the sinking of six.
Iran claimed to have launched missiles at a U.S. frigate near the port of Jask, an assertion that Washington has firmly denied.
Trump's call for action comes amid Project Liberty, a U.S.-led naval operation to escort neutral countries' commercial ships through the strait, involving 15,000 military personnel, over 100 aircraft, and guided missile destroyers.
This isn't Trump's first attempt to pressure Seoul into the conflict. Back in March, he urged South Korea, Japan, and Germany to participate in naval escort missions, citing these nations' reliance on Gulf energy and the presence of U.S. troops on their soil.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun previously described the demand as "a situation that could be called a request or not," while President Lee Jae Myung has avoided directly addressing the conflict, instead focusing on energy-saving measures amid rising crude prices.
Opposition lawmakers in Seoul argue that joining the conflict would violate South Korea's Constitution.
The Strait of Hormuz has been blocked since February 28, 2026, when Iran closed the maritime route in retaliation for Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israel attack that crippled Iran's military capabilities and eliminated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian blockade halted 97% of global naval traffic, stranding 2,000 ships, and causing Brent crude prices to soar from $67 to over $126 per barrel.
Last Sunday, Iran proposed a 14-point peace plan to the U.S. in three phases to resolve the conflict, to which Washington responded by demanding additional conditions.
Trump announced that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine will hold a press conference on Tuesday concerning the situation in the strait.
Understanding the Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Why did Trump urge South Korea to join the U.S. naval mission?
Trump called on South Korea to join the U.S. mission in response to an attack on a South Korean cargo ship by Iran, as part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian aggression in the Strait of Hormuz.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway crucial for global oil shipments. Its closure by Iran has significant implications for international trade and energy prices.
What actions has the U.S. taken in response to the situation?
The U.S. has launched Project Liberty, a naval operation to escort commercial vessels through the strait, and has engaged militarily by destroying Iranian boats involved in aggressive actions.