Key facts
- South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held phone talks.
- Discussions focused on Middle East developments and vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Cho welcomed a recent MOU between Washington and Tehran to end their conflict.
- Cho emphasized the need for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Araghchi provided an update on negotiations with Washington and Iran's stance.
- Both ministers agreed to maintain communication on vessel and crew safety.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, held phone talks on Friday to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including the critical transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The conversation, confirmed by Seoul's foreign ministry, marked the fifth such discussion between the two ministers since a conflict began in late February following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
During the call, Cho expressed support for a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Washington and Tehran aimed at resolving their prolonged conflict. He conveyed hope for the agreement's faithful implementation and further progress in subsequent negotiations. Cho also underscored the importance of maintaining free and secure passage for all vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi provided Cho with an update on the ongoing negotiations with Washington and outlined Iran's position on related matters. The two ministers exchanged views on pending bilateral issues and committed to maintaining close communication regarding the safety of vessels and their crews, as well as the protection of their respective nationals.
Since the conflict's onset, 26 South Korean-linked vessels were among more than 1,000 ships that became stranded in the Persian Gulf due to severely restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz. However, 21 Korean vessels have since successfully navigated the waterway, with most passing in recent days following Tehran's agreement to permit fee-free passage for 60 days under the recent MOU with the United States. President Lee Jae Myung noted on social media that three additional vessels were expected to transit the waterway over the weekend. One of the remaining ships, the HMM Namu, is undergoing repairs after sustaining damage from Iranian-linked missile attacks last month.