South Korea’s special envoy to Iran held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, as per an Iranian social media post. The meeting aimed to address the safety concerns of South Korean vessels and seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions in the region.
During the meeting, Chung Byung-ha, the special envoy for South Korea’s foreign minister, expressed optimism that diplomatic efforts could bring a resolution to the conflict and foster peace and stability in the area. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of enhancing the bilateral relations between Seoul and Tehran.
In response, Araghchi acknowledged the importance of the bilateral ties and assured Iran’s willingness to collaborate in strengthening these relations. He defended Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a measure taken to protect its national security and interests. Araghchi stated that any consequences resulting from the blockade would be the responsibility of the aggressors involved.
The standoff has left 26 South Korea-related ships and 173 Korean crew members stranded in the crucial waterway, which has been blocked by both Iran and the United States. South Korea has been engaged in discussions with Iran and neighboring countries to ensure the safety of its vessels and crew members, sharing relevant details with all concerned parties, including Iran and the US.
The tensions in West Asia heightened following a joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran, resulting in the death of the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event triggered a significant military response from Iran targeting Israel and US bases in Gulf nations. The ensuing conflict led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a global energy crisis.
