US President Donald Trump said on Monday that there had been minimal damage in the Strait of Hormuz despite recent hostilities, while calling on South Korea to join a US-led maritime security operation after one of its vessels was reportedly hit.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that Iran had “taken some shots” at vessels linked to ongoing shipping movements under the US initiative known as “Project Freedom,” but insisted the impact had been limited.
“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated nations with respect to the ship movement… including a South Korean cargo ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission,” Trump wrote.
He added that, aside from the South Korean vessel, there had been “no damage” affecting traffic through the strategically vital waterway.
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with US naval forces operating in the strait to safeguard commercial shipping routes. The situation has raised concerns about the stability of a fragile ceasefire, particularly as global oil prices continue to rise in response to supply disruptions.
Trump did not address reports of potential attacks involving United Arab Emirates and Oman, appearing to play down the broader scope of the situation.
Earlier, US military officials said American forces had intercepted Iranian threats and destroyed several small military vessels. While Trump claimed that seven Iranian boats were “shot down,” a senior US admiral had previously put the number at six. Iranian authorities have denied that any of their vessels were sunk.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, and continued confrontations in the area are being closely watched for their potential impact on international trade and energy markets.
