South Korea suspends review of Trump's call to participate in 'Project Freedom'

SEOUL - South Korea's presidential office said on Wednesday it had suspended a review on whether to participate in a US operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump put the plan, known as "Project Freedom," on hold.

"We don't believe a review of Trump's call to participate in Project Freedom is needed at this point," Wi Sung-lac, the South Korean presidential national security adviser, told a press briefing.

South Korea’s statement came after said on Tuesday he would briefly pause an operation to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing "great progress" toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran. Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had outlined the effort that began on Monday to escort stranded tankers out of the Gulf. The strait has been virtually shut since the conflict began, blocking some 20% of world oil supplies and igniting a global energy crisis.

"We have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom ... will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed," Trump wrote on social media.