South Korea confirms Iranian call on Strait of Hormuz security role
Foreign ministers from South Korea and Iran held a phone discussion regarding the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic through the waterway remains disrupted since the conflict began on February 28.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi by telephone, according to official statements from Seoul. The conversation took place at Tehran's request and focused on recent Middle East developments and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Both nations are engaged in negotiations to control the waterway, which normally transports approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. South Korea has dispatched a fact-finding team to evaluate conditions in the strait but has not yet decided whether to deploy military forces there. Prior to this call, Iranian officials warned that a direct South Korean military contribution to the conflict would result in serious consequences. The United States has urged Seoul to assist in securing the route while Tehran and the US remain at an impasse over the situation.
