South Korea is exploring ways to contribute to stability in the Strait of Hormuz following a US-Iran peace deal. The agreement is expected to allow 24 stranded South Korean-linked vessels and 137 sailors to depart, though uncertainty remains regarding the timeline and safety.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global energy markets and shipping. The deal offers hope for the safe return of stranded South Korean vessels and sailors, potentially easing supply chain disruptions and reducing geopolitical risk in a vital global chokepoint.
An agreement between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expected to allow more than 20 South Korean-linked vessels and 137 sailors stranded inside the strategic waterway to depart. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the framework for a deal to end the conflict, lift the U.S. blockade of Iran, and reopen the Strait.
Currently, 24 South Korean-linked vessels remain stranded, including ships registered under the South Korean flag and those expected to obtain Korean registration. The vessels include HMM's cargo ship Namu, which was attacked on May 4. The 137 sailors include 103 aboard South Korean vessels and 34 on foreign ships.
Despite the deal, uncertainty persists regarding the exact terms agreed upon by Washington and Tehran, and when vessels can safely return. Potential obstacles include naval mines possibly laid by Iran, the need for additional cooperation from Tehran to establish safe shipping lanes, and concerns about congestion as approximately 2,000 vessels attempt to pass through the narrow waterway. Instability within Iran and the potential for threatening actions by militias also remain sources of concern.