Seoul is holding talks with several countries, including Iran, aimed at normalising shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as the West Asia conflict enters its fourth week. The South Korean government says it is closely monitoring the situation and exploring measures to protect its citizens and secure energy transport routes. A Yonhap official said Seoul is actively communicating with relevant countries, Iran among them.
South Korea will join seven other nations, including European states and Japan, in a joint statement condemning Iran’s recent attacks in the Gulf and what the statement described as the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The joint text expressed readiness to help ensure safe passage through the strait, welcomed preparatory planning by participating countries, and backed the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorise coordinated releases from strategic oil reserves and other steps to stabilise energy markets, including cooperation with producers to raise output.
The statement strongly condemned attacks on unarmed commercial vessels, strikes on civilian infrastructure such as oil and gas facilities, and Iran’s effective restriction of the strait. It called on Tehran to stop threats, mining operations, and drone and missile strikes that disrupt commercial shipping, and urged compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The signatories reaffirmed freedom of navigation as a core principle of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and warned that disruptions will have global consequences, especially for vulnerable populations.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News that Tehran is prepared to permit Japan-bound vessels to transit the route after consultations with Tokyo.
The Strait of Hormuz handles more than 20 percent of the world’s oil trade. All lanes used by oil tankers lie within waters claimed by Iran, making the strait a critical lifeline for East Asian energy importers such as South Korea and Japan. Reports cited Yonhap and Kyodo; original syndicated feed via ANI.
