2 S. Korean-operated vessels exit Strait of Hormuz following Iran deal
Seoul, June 22
Two South Korean-operated vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz following last week's ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran that reopened the strategic waterway, the maritime ministry said on Monday.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the vessels are sailing normally after passing through the strait, but they have yet to completely leave the high-risk part of the passage.
No South Korean crew members are on board the vessels, and they are not bound for South Korea, the ministry said, declining to disclose further details due to safety concerns, reports Yonhap news agency.
Under the ceasefire agreement reached with Washington, Tehran has agreed to allow vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without any fees for 60 days following the signing of the deal.
With the departure of the two vessels, the number of South Korean-linked ships remaining in the strait has fallen to 22.
The ministry said 135 South Korean sailors remain in the Persian Gulf, including 102 aboard South Korean-operated vessels and 33 serving on foreign-flagged ships.
The Seoul government has established a task force to identify country-specific cooperation needs across the Middle East to support South Korean companies' participation in post-conflict reconstruction efforts, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Monday.
"To facilitate South Korean companies' participation in reconstruction efforts in the Middle East and to develop broader economic cooperation with the region, the ministry established a dedicated task force and has actively identified country-specific cooperation needs through overseas missions," Cho said at a press briefing.
"Our responses to the crisis have reinforced the perception among Middle Eastern countries that South Korea is a reliable partner that stands by them in difficult times," he added.
Last week, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending their months-long war that would extend the countries' ceasefire for 60 days, during which negotiations will take place to address nuclear and other issues to reach a final peace deal.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is good for global trade stability. As an Indian citizen, I'm glad the Strait of Hormuz is open again because it affects our oil imports too. But let's be honest—these ceasefire deals are fragile. Hope India is also preparing contingency plans for our energy security.
South Korea is smart to send their vessels out quickly. During the Iran-US tensions, many countries were stuck. India's own oil imports from the region were at risk. This shows the importance of having multiple trade routes and not relying too much on chokepoints like Hormuz. 🛢️
As an Indian, I am cautiously happy about this development. The Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline for our energy needs. But South Korea's task force for post-war reconstruction shows how proactive they are—India should also start planning to participate in rebuilding efforts if peace holds. Just saying, we have good relations with both sides.
Good news for the global economy. But I'm skeptical about the 60-day timeline. These agreements are like band-aids on deep wounds. India needs to accelerate its strategic oil reserves and alternative fuel sources. We can't keep relying on volatile regions for our energy security. 🇮🇳
It's fascinating how South Korea is positioning itself as a reliable partner in the Middle East. India has deep historical ties with the region too. Maybe we can learn from their task force model to better leverage our diaspora and diplomatic relations for post-conflict opportunities. 🏗️
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