South Korea Considers Trump's Offer to Join Operations in Strait of Hormuz

Moscow (ANTARA) - South Korean authorities are considering an offer from US President Donald Trump to join Project Freedom, under which the US intends to help ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz to exit the area, according to a report by the Newsis news agency on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Comprehensive Situation Centre of South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated that an explosion and fire occurred on a ship owned by the South Korean company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz, with no casualties.

Trump subsequently called on South Korea via the social media platform Truth Social to join Project Freedom.

“We note President Trump’s statement and are currently reviewing the US proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, taking into account our readiness for the situation on the Korean Peninsula, procedures based on national law, and other factors,” said a presidential official, as quoted by Newsis.

He added that South Korea is working to normalise maritime routes quickly and, in this regard, is actively participating in various international efforts. The authorities are also continuing to communicate with the US on this matter, including the possibility of participation in Project Freedom.

South Korea is currently conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire on its ship in the Strait of Hormuz and preparing necessary measures, the official said.

On 3 May, Trump announced Project Freedom to assist ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and attempting to exit the area.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its military support for the initiative will include guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 military personnel. The operation began on Monday morning.