Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced on Friday his expectation that three additional South Korean-operated vessels, currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, will exit the waterway over the weekend. This development would leave only two vessels unable to leave the area, as they face separate issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee shared this update on X, previously known as Twitter, alongside a news article detailing the recent departure of eight South Korean-linked ships from the strait. The waterway had been effectively closed since late February following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
Lee highlighted that of the five remaining vessels, three are anticipated to pass through the strait before the weekend concludes. Excluded from this group are the Namu, which is undergoing repairs, and another vessel that remains due to cargo-related issues. The Namu, operated by South Korean shipping giant HMM Co., sustained damage in May after an attack by what the government identified as likely Iranian-developed anti-ship missiles.
Lee commended the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the presidential National Security Office, and the National Intelligence Service, attributing the successful and prompt evacuation of vessels and crew members to their effective collaboration. The operation was reportedly more efficient and safer compared to those conducted by other countries.
The recent vessel departures follow a preliminary agreement signed last week between the United States and Iran, paving the way for a final peace deal to conclude their conflict.