Donald Trump abruptly halted the ‘Freedom Project’ operation at the Strait of Hormuz, suspending military escort efforts while maintaining the naval blockade, citing progress in negotiations with Iran. This move underscores the U.S. desire to retain leverage in negotiations while exacerbating the precarious situation for South Korean ships. Trump's announcement presents a facade of diplomatic flexibility, yet fuels a diplomatic dilemma due to diverging perceptions between the U.S. and South Korea.