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South Korea Envoy Meets Iran FM Over Stranded Ships in Hormuz Strait

South Korea's special envoy Chung Byung-ha met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to address the safety of Korean vessels and seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi defended Iran's blockade of the vital waterway as a national security measure, placing blame for consequences on "parties carrying out the aggression." The standoff involves 26 South Korea-linked ships and 173 crew members, with Seoul engaged in safety talks with Iran and other parties including the US. The tensions and blockade follow escalated conflict after US-Israel military strikes, which killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted Iranian retaliation.

Key Points: S.Korea Envoy, Iran FM Meet Amid Hormuz Blockade, Crew Safety Talks

  • Diplomatic talks on stranded ships
  • Iran defends Hormuz blockade
  • 26 ships & 173 crew affected
  • Tensions after US-Israel strikes
  • Global energy crisis triggered
2 min read

South Korean special envoy meets Iran's foreign minister amid West Asia tensions

South Korean special envoy Chung Byung-ha meets Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to discuss safety of stranded ships and crew in the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

"responsibility for any resulting consequences lies with the parties carrying out the aggression - Abbas Araghchi"

Tehran, April 23

South Korea's special envoy to Iran has met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, an Iranian social media post showed on Thursday, as Seoul seeks to ensure the safety of its vessels and seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia tensions.

Chung Byung-ha, special envoy for South Korea's foreign minister, expressed hope in his meeting with Araghchi that diplomatic efforts would bring a definite end to the conflict and lead to peace and stability in the region, a Telegram post by Iran's foreign ministry showed.

Chung also noted the importance of developing bilateral relations between Seoul and Tehran, reports Xinhua news agency.

Echoing Chung's remark on their ties, Araghchi expressed Iran's readiness to cooperate in that regard.

Regarding Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi defended the measure as an effort to safeguard its national security and interests, saying that "responsibility for any resulting consequences lies with the parties carrying out the aggression," according to the post.

Twenty-six South Korea-related ships and 173 Korean crew members remain stranded in the vital waterway blocked by both Iran and the United States.

South Korea has been in talks with Iran and neighbouring countries to ensure their safety, sharing details of the vessels and crew with relevant parties, including Iran and the US.

The tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation against Iran. The joint military strikes killed the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a large-scale military operation by Iran against Israel and the US bases in the Gulf nations.

The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered a global energy crisis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The report mentions 173 Korean crew members stranded. My heart goes out to them and their families. It's a reminder of how ordinary people suffer the most in these geopolitical conflicts. International pressure needs to be applied for humanitarian corridors.
V
Vikram M
Iran's defense of its blockade "to safeguard national security" is understandable from their perspective after the loss of their leader. However, using a vital global chokepoint as leverage is a dangerous game that hurts everyone. The US and Israel's initial action has opened a Pandora's box.
R
Rohit P
Global energy crisis means bad news for our economy. Petrol prices are already high. India has good relations with both sides; maybe our diplomats can play a quiet role in de-escalation? We have a lot at stake in regional stability.
P
Priya S
While I sympathize with Iran's position after being attacked, I have to respectfully disagree with the strategy of blocking the Strait. It disproportionately punishes neutral countries and their citizens, like those South Korean sailors, who have nothing to do with the conflict. There must be a better way.
K
Karthik V
South Korea is showing how middle powers can attempt diplomacy even in a crisis dominated by major powers. Good on them for engaging directly. Hope it leads to the release of those ships. The world needs more dialogue, less military posturing.

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