Iran has officially introduced a ‘pre-passage authorization system’ for the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the risk of maritime blockade. Donald Trump, the US President, attributed the attack on the HMM vessel to Iran, directly pressuring South Korea. The clash between the US-led ‘Freedom of Navigation’ project and Iran’s ‘inner sea’ strategy is intensifying the Middle East crisis, posing a direct threat to South Korea’s economy and security.