Twenty-six Korean ships have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz for two months amid the war between the United States and Iran, and Tehran has told Seoul that the vessels must "move through a designated route after prior consultation" to escape, sources said. Shipping companies, however, appear unable to find a clear solution as they worry about securing safety and the possibility of U.S. sanctions.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Chung Byung-ha, a special envoy of the foreign minister dispatched to Iran, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and others to request cooperation for the swift and safe passage of Korean ships. Chung emphasized the precedent that Korean diplomatic missions had remained in Iran until the end even during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, as well as the potential for future development of bilateral relations. The Iranian side also highly valued the fact that Chung was the first high-ranking foreign figure to visit Iran since the outbreak of the current war.
Seoul reportedly demanded that Iran ensure "free navigation and safety guarantees for all vessels, including Korean ships." In response, Iran told Chung that regarding the ship evacuation issue, vessels "must exit through a designated route after prior consultation with Iran," according to sources. In addition, while the Korean government maintains the position that it cannot pay tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is reportedly demanding payment of related costs, arguing that guiding ships along routes safe from mines incurs expenses.
The situation has become even more complicated after negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end the war broke down and Washington launched a counter-blockade. The designated route mentioned by Iran refers to Iranian territorial waters between the Iranian mainland and Iran's Larak Island. Korean shipping companies are reportedly concerned about safety issues and the possibility of U.S. sanctions if they pass through this area. Some shippers are said to prefer observing the U.S.-Iran situation and minimizing risk rather than pushing for a forced passage.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Park Il, commenting on a recent case in which a Japanese oil tanker passed through the strait with Iranian authorities' permission, said, "When it comes to ship passage, there are various factors to consider, such as the safety situation in the strait, and it is also necessary to take into account that judgments and decisions regarding passage ultimately rest with the shipping companies."
