US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran fired on a South Korean cargo vessel and other targets in the Strait of Hormuz, calling on Seoul to join Project Freedom — a newly launched American operation to restore freedom of navigation through the critical waterway. The remarks came on Monday as the United States commenced the operation to escort commercial vessels stranded by the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

Trump's Post and the HMM Vessel Incident

Trump made the claim in a post on Truth Social, writing: "Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it's time for South Korea to come and join the mission!" He added that the US had "shot down seven small Boats" and that, aside from the South Korean ship, no further damage had been reported in the strait at that moment.

The remarks followed a statement from South Korea's foreign ministry confirming that an explosion occurred aboard a Panama-flagged vessel operated by HMM Co., a major South Korean shipping firm, while it was anchored in waters near the United Arab Emirates within the strait. The ship was carrying 24 crew members — six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals. No casualties were reported, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, according to Yonhap news agency.

Project Freedom: Scale and Scope

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Project Freedom is deploying guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the US military had already destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones since the operation commenced, according to Reuters.

Under the operation, the US Navy advises commercial ships on avoiding mines and stands by to intervene if Iran launches an attack, according to Axios. The US currently has no plan for full naval escorts, the outlet added, citing US officials. CENTCOM confirmed on social media platform X that two US-flagged merchant vessels had successfully transited the strait and were safely en route.

Trump's Warning to Iran and Pressure on Allies

In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump warned that Iranian forces would be "blown off the face of the Earth" should they attempt to target US vessels in the strait. He nonetheless expressed cautious optimism about ongoing peace talks, claiming Iranian negotiators were "far more malleable." The rise in tensions has, however, darkened the prospects for what appears to be a fragile ceasefire between the two sides.

Trump's call for South Korea to join the mission intensifies pressure on an ally that relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy imports. The waterway accounts for approximately a fifth of the world's oil supply. Last month, Trump had described South Korea as "not helpful" to the US despite American troops being stationed there, noting the country's proximity to North Korea's nuclear forces.

Consequences for Non-Cooperating Allies

Trump has already taken punitive steps against European nations that have shown limited support for the Iran war or declined to provide naval assistance. The Pentagon announced a plan to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, while Trump said last week he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25% from 15%. Analysts note the pattern suggests Seoul could face similar economic or diplomatic pressure if it continues to hold back from the mission.

With the strait effectively blocked by Iran amid the broader Middle East conflict, the coming days will test both the operational effectiveness of Project Freedom and the diplomatic resolve of US allies in the region.