On December 18, President Donald Trump voiced his expectation that once the U.S.-Iran war concludes, countries that depend on the Strait of Hormuz for oil will need to take responsibility for its security. He criticized allied nations for their lukewarm response to U.S. requests for military support in the region. Through a post on his social media platform, Trump expressed curiosity about the reactions of allied nations should they be tasked with the security of the strait, suggesting that this could stir quicker responses from them than previously observed.

The South Korean government is currently responding with caution, as internal discussions are underway about the specifics of the U.S. request and what support South Korea could provide to ensure safe passage through the strait. A spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry indicated that they needed to clarify Trump's intentions regarding this matter. The importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a global shipping route adds a layer of complexity to the requirement for real international collaboration to ensure its safety.

As the U.S.-Japan summit scheduled for December 19 approaches, it is expected that Trump will provide greater detail about what he expects from allied nations concerning the strait's security obligations. Notably, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi has stated that Japan has no current plans to deploy troops to the region, although there may be a potential for sending self-defense forces for research purposes. Meanwhile, the South Korean government is carefully observing the outcomes of the U.S.-Japan summit before deciding on its course of action regarding the Hormuz situation, recognizing the strait's vital role in global trade and security.