Trump says he asked seven nations to join Hormuz escort coalition, warns he will remember who joins

[Financial News] President Donald Trump stated, "I have asked seven countries to participate in order to prepare for possible attacks from Iran."
On the 15th (local time), when asked by reporters whether there was no diplomatic dialogue at all between the U.S. and Iran, President Donald Trump replied, "We are talking to them," but added, "I do not think they are ready."
He went on, "They are desperate to negotiate," adding, "I think Iran will at some point be ready to negotiate, but right now we are doing very well with regard to the overall situation."
President Donald Trump also discussed forming a "coalition" to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran is blocking, and to prepare for potential Iranian attacks. He said, "We have asked about seven countries to participate and are receiving positive responses." This means that the original five countries he requested to send warships to—South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), and France—on Truth Social have now been joined by two more.
When asked which countries had agreed to take part, President Donald Trump answered, "I cannot say. Some countries have responded positively, and some are reluctant to get involved." He then added, "However, whether we receive support or not, I can say this. I have told them as well: we will remember whether they chose to participate," strongly pressuring them to join.
President Donald Trump said, "I really want these countries to step up and protect their own territory, because that is effectively their territory. That is where they get their energy," stressing, "As soon as the coalition force is formed, operations in the Strait of Hormuz will begin immediately."
Regarding the possibility of China joining, he commented, "It is too early to say. They may or may not," and added, "China imports 90% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz."

whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chae-wan Reporter