Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday called on South Korea, China, Japan, France, the UK, and other countries impacted by Iran's efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz to dispatch ships to ensure the vital oil passage remains "open and safe." The plea comes amid escalating concerns over potential disruptions to the critical waterway, which is pivotal for global oil supplies.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's statements were made via social media as his administration continues to pressure Iran to halt its blockade attempts. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route, handles approximately 20% of the world's oil shipments, making its security crucial. Trump emphasized the need for a collective international response, suggesting that the affected nations should contribute naval forces to counteract what he called an "artificial constraint."

In his Truth Social post, Trump asserted that the U.S. military had already neutralized Iran's military capabilities. Nonetheless, he warned of the persistent threat posed by Iranian drones, mines, and missiles, stressing the need for continued U.S. military action to secure the strait. He declared that the U.S. would maintain aggressive military operations to ensure the safety of the shipping route, pledging to "bomb the hell out of the shoreline" and target Iranian vessels.

Trump's appeal for international cooperation highlighted the need for a unified effort to safeguard the strait. He reassured that the U.S. would provide substantial assistance and coordinate with other nations for a swift and smooth operation, framing the situation as an opportunity for global unity in achieving "Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace."

The situation is particularly pressing for South Korea, which relies heavily on oil imports from the Middle East. The country has already taken steps by deploying its Cheonghae naval unit to the region. Initially stationed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, the unit's mission was extended to include the Strait of Hormuz in 2020, following U.S. encouragement to help protect the critical maritime passage.

The U.S. military operation in the region, which began on February 28, aims to dismantle Iran's military infrastructure and missile capabilities. Despite these efforts, Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to continue leveraging the blockade as a strategic tool and has promised to retaliate for losses suffered in conflicts with the U.S. and Israel.