South Korea considers Trump's offer to join operation in Strait of Hormuz

South Korean authorities are considering US President Donald Trump's offer to join Project Freedom, in which the US intends to help trapped ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, news agency Newsis reported on Tuesday.

The South Korean Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries' Comprehensive Situation Center said an explosion and fire occurred on a ship owned by South Korean company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz, with no casualties.

Trump then called on South Korea through the social media Truth Social to join the Project Freedom.

"We have noted President Trump's statement and are currently reviewing the US proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, taking into account our readiness for the situation on the Korean Peninsula, procedures based on national law, as well as other factors," a presidential official was quoted as saying by Newsis as reported by Sputnik, Tuesday, May 5.

According to him, South Korea is trying to normalize the maritime route quickly and in this case is actively participating in various international efforts. Authorities also continue to communicate with the US regarding this matter, including the possibility of participation in Project Freedom.

South Korea is currently investigating in detail the causes of the explosion and fire on its ship in the Strait of Hormuz and preparing the necessary measures, the official said.

On May 3, Trump announced Project Freedom to help ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and attempt to leave the region.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its military support for the initiative would include guided missile destroyers, more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 military personnel. The operation began on Monday morning.