[The Public=Reporter Choi Eol] Seoul’s presidential office, the Blue House, said March 16 it will approach President Donald Trump’s request that South Korea and other countries deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz “very cautiously.”
Lee Kyu-yeon, the Blue House senior secretary for public relations and communications, told an afternoon briefing that “we need sufficient time to consult with the United States before making a decision.”
Lee said Seoul and Washington are maintaining close contact. “We are examining the intent behind U.S. media reports, but an official U.S. position must be communicated to us. We are working to determine the true intent,” he said.
On the flight back to Washington from his Florida residence, President Trump told reporters he had asked roughly seven countries to join an “escort coalition” for the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been blocking. He added, “I think we’re getting positive responses.”
The seven countries Trump referenced are two more than the five — South Korea, China, Japan, the U.K. and France — he asked on Truth Social the day before to send warships.
Seoul’s presidential office, the Blue House, said March 16 it will approach President Donald Trump’s request that South Korea and other countries deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz “very cautiously.”
Lee Kyu-yeon, the Blue House senior secretary for public relations and communications, told an afternoon briefing that “we need sufficient time to consult with the United States before making a decision.”
Lee said Seoul and Washington are maintaining close contact. “We are examining the intent behind U.S. media reports, but an official U.S. position must be communicated to us. We are working to determine the true intent,” he said.
On the flight back to Washington from his Florida residence, President Trump told reporters he had asked roughly seven countries to join an “escort coalition” for the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been blocking, and said, “I think we’re getting positive responses.”
The seven countries Trump referenced are two more than the five — South Korea, China, Japan, the U.K. and France — he asked on Truth Social the day before to send warships.
When asked which countries would participate, Trump said, “I can’t say. Some countries have given positive responses, and others are reluctant to get involved.”
He pressed the point further: “Whether we receive support or not, I can say this — I told them, and we will remember who participates.”
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