Seoul: Iran's top envoy to South Korea has declared that South Korean vessels can traverse the Strait of Hormuz only after coordinating with Tehran. This statement comes amid Iran's request for Seoul to provide detailed information about the ships currently stranded in the waterway due to recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi emphasized during a press conference that 26 South Korean ships, carrying approximately 180 crew members, are stuck in the strategic shipping lane. "There are no problems with the vessels," Koozechi stated through an interpreter, adding that prior consultations with the Iranian military and government are necessary for their passage.
Tehran has requested Seoul to share details about the stranded ships during phone discussions between their foreign ministers earlier this week. However, it remains unclear if this request signals the beginning of negotiations for the ships' transit. Koozechi assured that Iran is acting in good faith and willing to facilitate the ships' passage once the necessary information is provided.
South Korea's foreign ministry, when asked to confirm Iran's request, clarified that the request pertained to safety measures in potential humanitarian situations and was not directly related to the ships' transit. A ministry official noted that no negotiations regarding the passage have taken place and no ship details have been shared with Iran.
During the phone talks, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged Iran to de-escalate tensions and guarantee safe navigation through the crucial waterway, which is vital for global energy supplies. Cho also sought Iran's cooperation to ensure the safety of the stranded South Korean vessels and their crew, though transit permissions were reportedly not discussed.
Though Iran views South Korea as a non-hostile nation, Ambassador Koozechi explained that restricting the activities of ships associated with U.S. businesses is part of Iran's self-defense strategy. "Imposing restrictions on them is only natural," he remarked, asserting Iran's right to self-defense through economic and operational limitations.
The press event at the Iranian Embassy in Seoul featured a photo exhibition and documentary screening, showcasing the consequences of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. The materials included images of destroyed infrastructure and footage of children killed in an airstrike at an elementary school, highlighting the human impact of the ongoing conflict.