South Korea on Sunday reaffirmed its position that freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed, after US President Donald Trump suggested Washington could impose tolls on vessels transiting the strategic waterway if negotiations with Iran fail.
“Our basic position is that freedom of navigation and the safety of all vessels, including South Korean ships, in the Strait of Hormuz should be guaranteed as soon as possible,” a Foreign Ministry official said.
“We are actively participating in discussions with the international community and maintaining close communication with relevant countries, including the United States,” the official added.
The official said Seoul understands Trump’s remarks as being in line with the same goal.
Trump’s comments came amid growing uncertainty over future shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil flows and a major share of liquefied natural gas shipments pass.
In a Truth Social post Saturday, Washington time, Trump said there would be “NO TOLLS” for vessels transiting the strait during a 60-day ceasefire period with Iran and that no fees would be imposed afterward either.
