U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including a South Korean cargo vessel. The South Korean government has not confirmed Trump’s statement, indicating that a fire occurred on the vessel, and investigations are underway to determine the cause.
Trump made the claim via his social media platform, Truth Social, while the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Panamanian-flagged vessel, owned by a South Korean company, was located near the United Arab Emirates when the incident occurred. An explosion was followed by a fire on board.
“Aside from the South Korean ship, no damage has been reported during the transit through the strait,” Trump stated.
He further urged South Korea to join the United States in military efforts against Iran.
The cargo ship had 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals. There have been no reports of injuries.
In a broader context, on February 28, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran, prompting Trump to announce a significant military operation against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
According to Trump, the military operation’s goals include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and navy to prevent global destabilization.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
On the same day, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the initiation of a major offensive against Israel and U.S. bases, to which Trump reacted by warning Iran against pursuing these plans, threatening a strong retaliatory strike.
By March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, stating he had potential candidates for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the new Supreme Leader.
On March 26, Trump announced a temporary halt to the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump has threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran, warning of devastating consequences for the Iranian people and potential regional instability.
On April 6, Iran provided the U.S. and Israel with a 10-point plan for ending the war through Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump stated he agreed to suspend bombing Iran and delay a “devastating attack” for two weeks, contingent upon the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He described the ceasefire as mutual and deemed the Iranian 10-point proposal a reasonable basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks would be possible “if coordinated with Iran’s armed forces and considering technical limitations.”
President Trump has claimed an Iranian attack on a South Korean vessel, while South Korea investigates the incident. This escalation comes amid ongoing military tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.