Trump: "Gradual Reduction of Iran Operation... South Korea, China, Japan, and Europe Should Be Involved in Hormuz"

"Very Close to Achieving Military Objectives in the Iran War"
"Seven Countries Including South Korea, China, and Japan Should Participate in Tanker Escort Operations"

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance that major energy-consuming countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz, such as South Korea, China, and Japan, should be directly involved in normalizing navigation through the strait. He made this remark while mentioning a gradual reduction in the U.S. military operation against Iran, known as "Epic Fury."

On March 20 (local time), President Trump stated on the social networking service Truth Social, "As we consider gradually winding down our large-scale military efforts in the Middle East against Iran's terrorist regime, we are very close to achieving our military objectives."

He then presented the following five objectives of the war against Iran, which began on February 28: 1) neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities and launch platforms; 2) destroying its defense industrial base; 3) neutralizing Iran’s naval and air forces, including its air defense weapons; 4) completely blocking Iran’s nuclear capabilities and maintaining a posture for the U.S. to respond swiftly and forcefully in such scenarios; and 5) providing the highest level of protection for Middle Eastern allies.

President Trump did not specify what he meant by the "gradual reduction of military efforts." However, it appears he is leaving the possibility of scaling down operations open, assuming military objectives are close to being achieved.

Meanwhile, recent movements to deploy additional U.S. Marines and troops to the Middle East have raised heightened interest over whether the United States is considering launching a ground war against Iran.

There is widespread analysis that it remains to be seen whether President Trump is seeking an exit strategy from the war against Iran or if he mentioned this without a concrete plan in an attempt to stabilize oil prices and the stock market.

Previously, at the White House, President Trump told reporters, "A ceasefire is not necessary. We do not call a ceasefire when we are literally devastating the other side," making clear his opposition to a ceasefire.

In addition, President Trump repeatedly emphasized the contribution of allies such as South Korea and Japan to normalizing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump said, "We are doing very well there," and added, "We do not use that strait. We do not need it." He continued, "Europe, South Korea, Japan, China, and many other countries need it, so they should get involved." He emphasized, "It would be good if the countries that use the strait participated."

In particular, when asked whether he still wants South Korea to support the United States, he replied, "I love South Korea. We have a great relationship with South Korea. We help South Korea a lot."

Previously, President Trump had called on seven countries, including South Korea, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and France, to participate in escort operations for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently blockaded by Iran. When these countries did not clearly express their willingness to support, President Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction by saying, "We do not need help," yet he has maintained that participation from the relevant countries is necessary.

In his post on Truth Social, President Trump also said, "Other countries that use the Strait of Hormuz should guard and police it as needed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.