Washington’s request highlights debate over whether Seoul will help protect sea lanes that underpin its economy

U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries including South Korea to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz highlights a growing test of whether Seoul will assume a broader role in securing the maritime system that sustains its economy.

The request came through a Truth Social post in which Trump urged several countries affected by disruptions in the Gulf to contribute ships to keep the waterway open. The statement followed rising tensions linked to U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and growing concern over shipping disruptions along one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries including South Korea to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz highlights a growing test of whether Seoul will assume a broader role in securing the maritime system that sustains its economy.

The request came through a Truth Social post in which Trump urged several countries affected by disruptions in the Gulf to contribute ships to keep the waterway open. The statement followed rising tensions linked to U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and growing concern over shipping disruptions along one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors.

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