Wi Sung-lac, South Korea's National Security Adviser, said on the 10th that despite the temporary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, "passage through the Strait of Hormuz is not smooth," predicting that "supply chain uncertainty will continue for the time being."
Wi made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Presidential Office, adding that "we will continue efforts to find alternative sources for crude oil and naphtha supplies." He noted that "(the number of passing vessels) does not appear to have increased significantly compared to during the war," adding that "not many ships are immediately attempting passage, and there is an atmosphere of watching the situation and responding accordingly."
He continued, "If 2,000 ships (trapped in Hormuz) try to exit the strait all at once, it could take time and securing safe shipping lanes could also become an issue," explaining that "we are continuing communication with relevant countries to ensure the safety and prompt passage of all vessels and crew members, including 26 Korean-flagged ships."
Wi also added, "International coordination efforts led by the UK and France to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz are also active," noting that "we are attending meetings to grasp developments and reviewing what role we can play."
The National Security Adviser said, "We will carefully review realistic options by comprehensively considering various factors including the safety of international sea lanes, the Korea-U.S. alliance, Korean Peninsula security, and relations between Iran and Middle Eastern countries." Regarding ceasefire prospects, he showed a cautious attitude, saying "considering that the gap between the two sides over conditions remains large, we need to watch whether a ceasefire can be achieved."
