South Korea’s special envoy seeks Iran’s cooperation on Strait of Hormuz transits
April 23, 2026 | By Azad News
South Korea’s special envoy seeks Iran’s cooperation on Strait of Hormuz transits
South Korea has requested Iran’s cooperation to ensure safe and smooth passage of commercial vessels, including South Korean ships, through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions.
The request was made during a diplomatic meeting in Tehran between South Korea’s special envoy and Iran’s Foreign Minister.
Concern Over Stranded Ships
Officials report that dozens of South Korean vessels and over 170 crew members are currently affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas, handling a significant portion of global energy trade.
Diplomatic Efforts Between Seoul and Tehran
South Korea has been actively communicating with Iran and neighboring states to ensure the safety of ships and maritime crews in the region.
During talks, Iranian officials stated that their actions are taken under international law to protect national security, and blamed ongoing tensions on external pressures.
Seoul also emphasized the importance of maintaining stable bilateral relations and continuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
Hope for Regional Stability
The South Korean envoy expressed hope that discussions between Iran and the United States could resume in order to reduce tensions and restore stability in the region.
Officials believe that renewed negotiations could help ease pressure on global shipping routes and improve security conditions in the Gulf region.
Humanitarian Support and Policy Position
South Korea has also recently approved humanitarian assistance for Iran as part of its broader diplomatic approach during ongoing regional instability.
However, Seoul has stated that it currently has no plans to pay transit fees or tolls for stranded vessels in the Strait.
Conclusion
The situation highlights growing international concern over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, with diplomatic efforts continuing to ensure safe passage for global trade.
Disclaimer: This article is a rewritten and paraphrased summary based on publicly available news reports. It is created for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any copyrighted content.
