Trump Pressures South Korea to Join War, Saying “We Will Remember” Whether Allies Participate

“We will remember whether you participate or not.”

On the 15th (local time), marking the 16th day of the war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a strong message to allied countries while accelerating efforts to build a “multinational coalition” to escort oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, D.C. from his residence in Florida, Trump said that the United States had formally requested about seven countries to join the coalition.

The number is two more than the five countries mentioned the previous day on the social media platform Truth Social, where he requested the dispatch of naval vessels from South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France. He did not disclose which additional countries were asked to participate.

Trump used his characteristic blunt style to pressure countries showing reluctance. Without naming specific countries, he said:

“Some have responded positively, but there are also countries that are reluctant to get involved.”

He added:

“Regardless of whether our allies support us or not, I told them one thing: ‘We will remember your decision.’”

This remark is widely interpreted as a Trump-style warning suggesting that countries refusing the deployment request could face future diplomatic or economic disadvantages.

Trump justified the coalition by invoking a “beneficiary pays” principle. He argued:

“These countries should step forward and protect their own region. In reality, it’s practically their territory, because it’s the lifeline from which they obtain energy.”

He also made clear that operations in the Strait of Hormuz would begin immediately once the coalition force is assembled.

Attention is particularly focused on whether China, the world’s largest crude oil importer, will participate. Trump said it was “too early to say” whether China would join, but added:

“China imports 90% of its oil through this route. What choice they make will be a very interesting case study.”

With the U.S. administration now deploying the strong pressure tactic of “remembering participation,” countries targeted for the coalition, including South Korea, are expected to face even more difficult decisions.