US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran targeted a South Korean cargo ship and other vessels, calling for South Korea to participate in a mission to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s comments came as the US initiated Project Freedom to assist commercial ships affected by tensions in the region. He mentioned that Iran had fired at multiple nations, including a South Korean ship, but assured that no damage had occurred in the strait.
Seoul’s foreign ministry reported an explosion on a Panama-flagged ship operated by a South Korean firm in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, with 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans, was near the UAE when the incident happened. Despite the explosion, there were no casualties reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.
In response to Iran’s actions in the strait, Trump warned of severe consequences if Iranian forces targeted US vessels. However, he also expressed openness to peace talks with Iran, describing Iranian negotiators as more flexible. Trump’s call for South Korea to join the mission in the strait adds pressure on the country, which heavily relies on the waterway for energy imports critical for its economy.
