On the 11th (local time), as the U.S. and Iran entered ceasefire talks in Pakistan, President Donald Trump said the United States has launched an operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz on behalf of South Korea and other countries.
Trump posted on his Truth Social account, “The United States is beginning the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz.”
He said, “This is a measure for countries around the world — China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany — and it aims to guarantee the safe passage of global energy shipments.”
He added, “Amazingly, they lack the courage or will to carry out this work themselves. But, very interestingly, many countries are sending empty oil tankers to the United States to fill with oil.”
Trump did not disclose operational details. He appears to be referring to mine clearance and other actions intended to neutralize threats to commercial shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime chokepoint that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. About 20% of the world’s seaborne oil passes through it. Iran has at times blocked vessel traffic in the strait during hostilities with the United States.
Trump has urged allies, including South Korea, to deploy warships and voiced frustration when some countries declined or took cautious positions.
Analysts say his remarks signal a view that the United States is stepping in to address the Strait of Hormuz blockade — a problem he suggested Asian and European partners, including South Korea, China and Japan, should otherwise be handling.
