US Defense Secretary: 'We Hope South Korea Will Step Up More' in Hormuz 'Freedom Project'

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has publicly called on South Korea to increase its involvement in the U.S.-led "Freedom Project" aimed at securing maritime passage in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth emphasized the defensive nature of the initiative, stating clearly that the U.S. does not desire confrontation with Iran. This appeal highlights the U.S. administration's strategy of burden-sharing and seeking international cooperation in maintaining freedom of navigation in critical global waterways.

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We hope so. We hope South Korea will step up more.

Hegseth's remarks were a direct response to questions about South Korea's potential participation following President Trump's social media call for allies to contribute to the project. "We hope so. We hope South Korea will step up more," Hegseth stated, underscoring President Trump's message that nations whose vessels transit these waters have a responsibility to contribute to their defense. The Secretary's comments suggest a broader U.S. policy of expecting allies to play a more active role in regional security, particularly in areas vital to global trade and energy security.

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This is your ship. You have to play a role in defense. We really want them to do that.

Furthermore, Secretary Hegseth addressed the recent incident involving a South Korean vessel reportedly targeted by Iran. He confirmed that U.S. Central Command is in contact with the ship and characterized the alleged attack as indicative of Iran's "indiscriminate behavior." While acknowledging that a ceasefire remains in effect, Hegseth issued a strong call for Iran to exercise restraint and maintain tensions below a critical threshold. The U.S. military, he assured, is prepared to defend against any aggression, framing the "Freedom Project" as a limited, defensive, and temporary measure solely focused on protecting innocent merchant shipping from Iranian attacks. From a South Korean perspective, this situation presents a delicate balance between fulfilling alliance obligations and avoiding direct escalation with Iran, a significant trading partner.

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The U.S. Central Command is communicating with the ship in question, and we see such targeted attacks as reflecting Iran's indiscriminate behavior.