Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday urged South Korea and other nations to contribute to efforts aimed at reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The United States is currently engaged in "Project Freedom," an initiative designed to ensure safe passage through the waterway, which has been obstructed due to ongoing tensions linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth made these comments at a Pentagon press conference following U.S. President Donald Trump's social media message urging South Korea to participate in securing the strait. Trump emphasized the importance of international cooperation, highlighting that the strait is vital for global energy imports. Hegseth reiterated this stance, expressing hope that not only South Korea but also Japan, Australia, and European nations would join the mission.

The Pentagon chief's appeal specifically targets South Korea due to its significant reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for energy imports. Despite the urgency, Seoul has maintained a cautious approach. In addressing a recent incident involving a South Korean-operated cargo ship affected by an explosion in the strait, Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. Central Command is actively communicating with the vessel.

The explosion, which occurred on a Panama-flagged ship operated by South Korea's HMM Co., has been attributed to Iran's activities in the area by President Trump. While an investigation is underway, Trump has accused Iran of targeting the South Korean vessel and other entities.

As discussions continue, Hegseth assured that the cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran, although fragile, remains intact. He defended Project Freedom as a necessary measure to ensure the free flow of commerce and navigation in the region. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine provided additional context, noting that Iran's regional actions have left approximately 22,500 mariners on over 1,550 commercial vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf.