What did South Korea say about Trump’s remarks on the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz?

Foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il said the government has been closely following Trump’s repeated remarks and will carefully review the matter in coordination with the United States. Seoul also said the comments would not change the bilateral alliance.

Why did Trump criticize Korea over the Iran conflict?

Trump said Korea, Japan and European allies were not doing enough to support U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said they were not helping by sending warships to escort commercial ships through the waterway.

Did Trump’s remarks affect Korea US alliance talks?

No immediate impact was expected. Sources familiar with the matter said the comments would not affect the alliance, including trade and security commitments agreed under joint summit agreements.

Seoul takes note of Trump's remarks in Iran war: official

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Summary

Korea has taken note of U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks that Seoul is not doing enough to support U.S. efforts in its war against Iran, a foreign ministry official said Tuesday. Trump criticized Korea, Japan and European allies for not helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz by sending warships to escort commercial ships. Park Il said the government would carefully review the matter and decide in close coordination with the United States. Seoul has sought clarification, and both sides say the comments will not affect the bilateral alliance.

Key Facts

Park Il, foreign ministry spokesperson, said Korea was paying close attention to Trump’s repeated remarks.
Seoul reportedly asked Washington to clarify Trump’s comments and was told they were not directed specifically at Korea.
Sources familiar with the matter said the remarks would not affect the bilateral alliance or efforts to implement trade and security commitments under joint summit agreements.

By Yonhap

Published Apr 7, 2026 5:08 pm KST

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 6. AP-Yonhap

Korea has taken note of remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that Seoul is not doing enough to support U.S. efforts in its war against Iran, an official at the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Trump has criticized Korea, Japan and European allies for not helping the U.S. reopen the Strait of Hormuz, such as by sending warships to escort commercial ships through the waterway, amid the conflict in the Middle East.

"We have been paying close attention to President Trump's repeated remarks," Park Il, foreign ministry spokesperson, said in a press briefing.

"The government will carefully review the matter and make a judgment in close coordination with the United States," he said.

Seoul has reportedly reached out to Washington seeking to clarify Trump's recent remarks and was told they were not directed specifically at Korea, but rather reflected broader disappointment over U.S. allies not responding to his calls for assistance.

Both sides share the view that Trump's comments would have no impact on the bilateral alliance, including efforts to implement trade and security commitments as agreed under the joint summit agreements, sources familiar with the matter said.

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