Seoul Shares Ship Data with Tehran, Expands Hormuz Talks Amid Tensions

Seoul is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of South Korean vessels and nationals in the Strait of Hormuz. Amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, and the US's declaration of a 'counter-blockade' in the strait, South Korea is leveraging bilateral talks with Iran to de-escalate the situation. A special envoy has been dispatched to Tehran to discuss maritime safety and passage, underscoring Seoul's commitment to resolving the issue through all available diplomatic channels.

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The government has been communicating with related countries regarding the safety and passage of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and has provided vessel information to related countries for ship safety.

The South Korean government has shared information regarding its stranded ships with Iran, a move aimed at facilitating dialogue and ensuring the safety of its vessels and crew. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to maintain open communication with relevant nations and explore all possibilities for a peaceful resolution. The government emphasizes that its international cooperation efforts are not contradictory to its bilateral diplomatic endeavors with Iran, but rather complementary.

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While the free passage of all ships is a priority, we cannot simply stand by, so we are keeping all possibilities open.

Despite these efforts, the safe resumption of normal shipping operations remains uncertain due to the 'counter-blockade' strategy employed by the US against Iran. Currently, 26 South Korean ships are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, with 130 South Korean sailors aboard these vessels and an additional 37 on foreign ships. The daily financial losses due to operational disruptions, including fuel costs and war insurance premiums, are estimated at approximately $1.43 million.

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International cooperation efforts and bilateral diplomatic efforts for Korea-Iran are not contradictory; they are intertwined and progressing together.

In addition to diplomatic measures, South Korea is also considering humanitarian aid to the Middle East, though this is intended to be separate from the maritime passage issue. The government hopes that such aid, channeled through international organizations, might positively influence the resolution of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Furthermore, the Ministry of National Defense is exploring the possibility of deploying naval vessels to protect merchant ships in the strait post-conflict, indicating a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding national interests and ensuring regional stability.

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There is nothing we can do at the private level. The resumption of passage will depend on the negotiations between the US and Iran, or the diplomatic resolution by the South Korean government.