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Ministry calls for swift normalization of maritime shipping network after Trump's speech

Published: 02 Apr. 2026, 18:38

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a televised address on the conflict in the Middle East from the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington D.C. on April 1. [AFP/YONHAP]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday called for a swift normalization of global maritime shipping after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a pullback from involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday that countries that rely on the vital waterway for energy imports should take the lead in ensuring the safety of the region and that they should take care of the matter.

Trump also said the United States will hit Iran hard over next two to three weeks, as the U.S.-Israeli war against Tehran has escalated into a wider regional conflict, prompting Tehran to effectively block the critical shipping route for global energy supplies.

“The safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation serve the interests of all nations and are protected under international law,” ministry spokesperson Park Il said in a press briefing, when asked to comment on Trump's remarks.

“Based on that, we hope the global maritime shipping network will be normalized as soon as possible,” he said.

Korea is carefully reviewing its approach to the issue, including exploring various measures to protect its nationals and secure energy shipping routes, in close consultation with the United States, Park said.

Seoul has maintained a reserved stance over the Strait of Hormuz and its potential role in the war, despite Trump's calls for greater involvement to support U.S. efforts against Iran.

Trump has expressed frustration at European and Asian allies for their reluctance in helping his administration fight the war.

In his address, Trump renewed calls for countries reliant on the Strait of Hormuz for energy supplies to take the lead in safeguarding the waterway, saying they should either buy oil from the United States or “go to the strait and just take it” if they cannot secure oil through the strait due to the war.

On Wednesday, Trump singled out South Korea as a country that was not being helpful to the United States in war efforts despite America's troop presence in South Korea to protect the ally against “a nuclear force,” apparently referring to North Korea.

He suggested that the United States should not be responsible for protecting the strait, saying, “Let South Korea do it,” “Let Japan do it” and “Let them all do it.”

Yonhap