Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that South Korea, China, Japan, and other countries must engage in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing their dependence on this critical waterway for energy imports.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump made these comments during a press session at the White House. He highlighted the U.S.'s current stance that it no longer requires naval assistance from North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries or other nations, following their apparent hesitance to support Trump's request to maintain the strait's accessibility.
"We don't use the strait. We don't need it. Europe needs it. Korea, Japan, China, (and) a lot of other people," Trump remarked when questioned about the U.S.'s plans to escort merchant ships through the strait, with or without the assistance of allies. He further suggested that these countries should "get involved a little bit on that one."
When asked if he expects South Korea to contribute to efforts to unblock the strait, Trump noted the significant support the U.S. has provided to the Asian nation. "I love South Korea. We have a great relationship with South Korea where we're helping South Korea a lot," he said.
Trump has consistently underscored the necessity for other nations to aid in securing the Strait of Hormuz, pointing out their reliance on the strategic passage for energy imports. The strait, which accounts for approximately 20% of the world's oil supply, has been effectively blocked by Iran. This development comes amid ongoing military actions by the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic Republic, initiated in late February.