"Other Countries Will Come to the Strait of Hormuz... We Expect Prompt Support with Military Assets": U.S. Secretary Raises Pressure

[Financial News] U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said on the 6th, local time, that he expects allies and friendly nations to promptly expand their roles in the Strait of Hormuz.
In interviews with CNN, Fox News and other outlets that day, Wright stressed that U.S. military operations supporting crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are essential. He added that other countries also need to join the effort, including by providing military assets.
"Many vessels are passing through the strait, and they need support from the U.S. military," he said. "Iran continues to cause problems, but the United States Navy is winning that fight."
Asked whether U.S. military support operations in the Strait of Hormuz represented the "new normal," Wright replied, "As of today, yes."
He continued, "But looking ahead, I think other countries will come and join us in this effort." He emphasized, "Global trade is important," adding, "This should not be the sole responsibility of the United States."
In an interview with Fox News, Wright also said, "The other military assets currently involved, besides those of the United States, belong to our friends and allies in the region." He added, "I hope those assets will come in from outside the region as well. I hope that happens promptly."
The remarks are interpreted as meaning that Wright expects allies and friendly nations outside the Middle East to expand their military contributions. They have drawn particular attention because they came as the United States has been urging its allies to take on a greater role in ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The South Korean government is also considering ways to expand its military contribution in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Wright did not mention South Korea or any other specific country in the interviews. Nor did he specify any particular military assets or form of support.
The Hill reported that Wright also said in an interview with ABC that a nuclear agreement between the Trump administration and Iran might not be reached.
"There may be no nuclear agreement. It may simply come down to neutralizing Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons," Wright said, adding that a nuclear agreement with Iran "could be delayed until the next administration."

[email protected] Lee Seok-woo, International Affairs Specialist Reporter