President Trump holding a press conference [AP Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump on the 16th (local time) again mentioned South Korea and other countries, urging them to join the operation to escort ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump particularly emphasized that the U.S. has supported the security of its alliance partner countries and strongly pressured allies, especially those where U.S. troops are stationed, to make decisions on troop deployment.

At a press conference at the White House before a luncheon with the Trump-Kennedy Center Board of Directors, President Trump stated, "We bring in less than 1% of our oil through this strait (Strait of Hormuz), but some countries procure much more," and made the remarks.

He continued, "Japan imports 95%, China imports 90% (from the Strait of Hormuz), and many European countries import significant amounts. South Korea imports 35%," adding, "Therefore, we hope these countries will step up and help with the strait issue."

President Trump then said without naming specific countries, "We have protected them from terrible external threats, but they haven't been very enthusiastic. The level of enthusiasm is important to me."

He further emphasized, "In some countries, 45,000 excellent (U.S.) soldiers are stationed, protecting them from danger." While this appeared to refer to U.S. Forces Japan (approximately 50,000), President Trump has also mentioned over 40,000 U.S. Forces Korea (actual number is about 28,500).

This is interpreted as pressure for allies who have received U.S. security support, especially those where U.S. troops are stationed, to participate more actively in the escort operation for ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump urged, "We strongly recommend that other countries engage with us quickly and enthusiastically."

He added, "We expect to receive good help (from some countries), but we may be disappointed by some countries. I will reveal which countries later."

President Trump then placed weight on the possibility of France and the United Kingdom sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump mentioned that he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and said, "I think he will help." He also stated that he spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the previous day and "I expect the UK to be involved."

President Trump also said, "We have the most powerful military in the world and they don't need it. We don't need it, but we ask for their support in some cases to see their reaction."

President Trump speaking [Reuters=Yonhap News]

As Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy transport route, in response to military operations by the U.S. and Israel, President Trump requested on the 14th via Truth Social that five countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France, send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

As President Trump encourages countries to participate in the escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz, he has presented two main criteria: the degree of dependence on energy passing through the strait and the extent of benefits from U.S. security contributions, such as the stationing of U.S. troops. South Korea and Japan, which are representative of both criteria, are likely to face relatively greater pressure from the U.S. regarding troop deployment.

Regarding the military operation against Iran, which has continued for 17 days, President Trump said, "Iran wants to make a deal with us. They are talking to our people."

He commented on Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, saying, "I don't know if he is alive or dead. Many people say his body is severely damaged. They say he lost a leg and was very badly injured. Some people even say he is dead."

Some foreign media reported that Mojtaba appeared to have sustained a "fractured leg" on the 28th of last month, the first day of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. On this day, President Trump claimed he had lost a leg altogether.

President Trump then said, "I don't know who is the leader of Iran."

Regarding the rise in international oil prices due to the war with Iran, President Trump claimed, "Once this is over, oil prices will drop very, very quickly. The same goes for inflation."

President Trump also explained that the military operation has struck over 7,000 targets, including military and commercial facilities, across Iran, and that missile launches from Iran have decreased by 90% and drone attacks by 95% compared to the beginning of the conflict.