South Korea has informed Iran about Korean-related ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, possibly indicating Seoul’s intent to negotiate their passage amidst the US-Iran conflict. Chung Byung-ha, a special envoy to Iran, disclosed this information while discussing vessel and crew safety with Iranian officials. Chung, representing the foreign minister, is currently in Tehran addressing the stranded ships and other bilateral issues.
Seoul’s actions seem influenced by the temporary truce between the US and Iran, hinting at a potential shift from its previous stance of avoiding direct talks with Iran for passage assurance. As per the oceans ministry, 173 crew members are stranded on 26 ships in the Hormuz Strait. The foreign ministry refrained from confirming the specifics of the talks with Tehran, stating ongoing communication with relevant nations regarding vessel safety and passage in the region.
It remains uncertain if the engagement with Tehran will facilitate the ships’ transit, especially after the failed peace negotiations between the US and Iran mediated by Pakistan. The US Navy’s imposition of a blockade on the shipping route further complicates the situation. The ministry mentioned evaluating humanitarian aid for conflict-affected areas in response to international appeals.
