South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said April 30 that the passage of Korean-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Iran war must take into account multiple factors, including safety conditions and decisions by shipping companies.
Spokesman Park Il told a regular briefing that “there are various matters to consider, including the safety situation in the strait,” and that judgments and decisions on transit ultimately rest with ship operators.
Park said the government’s basic position is that free passage for all vessels, including Korean ships, should be restored quickly. Under that stance, he said, Seoul is asking Iran for special cooperation so that 26 Korean vessels can pass through the strait as soon as possible, while staying in close contact with Gulf countries and the United States. The ministry recently dispatched Special Envoy Chung Byung-ha, the foreign minister’s special envoy, to Iran.
Asked about a Japanese oil tanker that transited the strait on April 28, Park said each ship and operator faces different circumstances and the case cannot be treated as identical to the situation involving Korean vessels. He said the government will continue diplomatic efforts until the issue is resolved.
Park added that Seoul is consulting with Iran and other relevant countries while taking into account operators’ views, but said it was difficult to provide details. “Our government is looking after our ships more actively than anyone,” he said.
Some shipping companies are reported to be taking the position that, with prospects for U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks still unclear, they would rather watch negotiations than push for transit and take on added risk.
The government has also reportedly conveyed to Iran its basic position that it will not pay transit fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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