[The Editors' Verdict]How Long Will Iran Remain Our Friend?

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Jong-min] President Yoon Suk-yeol's statement during his visit to the ARC unit stationed in the UAE that "the enemy of our ally UAE is Iran" has sparked controversy. While it is regrettable that such diplomatic rhetoric was inappropriate toward a diplomatic partner, the government should take this opportunity to reconsider the Korea-Iran relationship.

Although Iran has demanded an explanation from our government, this is merely an attempt to deny the already strong current of events. Last month, Iran received a 'counterpunch' from China, which it had considered a close ally. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Saudi Arabia, a country in conflict with Iran. President Xi held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and attended the 1st China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, endorsing Saudi-centered Middle East relations. Notably, President Xi sided with the UAE in the territorial dispute between Iran and the UAE. An outraged Iran summoned the Chinese ambassador stationed in Iran, but China did not budge. Vice Premier Hu Chunhua visited Iran to ease tensions, but this clearly demonstrates a shift in China's Middle East diplomatic policy. China has traditionally been an ally of Iran. Their relationship was strong enough to be called a close alliance. Despite U.S. sanctions, China imported Iranian oil, and Iran imported Chinese weapons. Even China is now changing its stance. This reflects the changing dynamics in the Middle East. It is now time for us to revise our perspective on the Middle East that has persisted for over 30 years. Moreover, Iran continues not only its nuclear and missile development but also actions that draw international condemnation. Beyond human rights violations within its own borders, Iran has exported drones to Russia for use in attacks on Ukraine. There is also strong suspicion that Iran is the source of North Korean missile technology, which threatens not only the Korean Peninsula but the entire world.

In response to Iran's demand for an explanation, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly stated that President Yoon's remarks were unrelated to bilateral relations. Despite not addressing the hijab protests in Iran, which are criticized by the U.S. and other Western countries considering relations with Iran, this is the reality of our diplomacy. With U.S. President Biden declaring the Iran nuclear deal dead, is it in line with global standards for South Korea, aspiring to be a global pivotal state, to manage relations with Iran, a country threatening world peace? The excuse that Iran's oil is essential or that maintaining the Iranian market, whose opening date is uncertain, justifies this stance is weak. President Biden has also defined the Iranian regime as one that has denied fundamental freedoms to its people for decades, oppressing them through intimidation, coercion, and violence.

In 1977, when Teheran-ro was established in Gangnam, Seoul, Iran's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $80.6 billion, while Korea's GDP was $38.4 billion. In 2021, Iran's GDP was $359.7 billion, and Korea's was $1.8 trillion. Even by GDP figures alone, it is easy to see that the Korea-Iran relationship cannot be the same as in the past. The time when Teheran-ro was created was during the Pahlavi dynasty in Iran, when women could remove hijabs and wear miniskirts. Today’s Iran has transformed into a state that violently suppresses protesters demanding women's rights. There are limits to consoling a 'darkened' friend. The Yoon administration must not repeat the mistakes of the Moon Jae-in administration, which turned a blind eye to North Korean human rights issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.