Foreign Ministry "Actively Seeking Solutions" After Japanese Tanker Passes Through Hormuz Strait

While South Korean vessels remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz, a Japanese oil tanker recently passed through the strait. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on April 29 that it is "actively seeking measures to resolve the current situation."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the same day, "We are communicating and cooperating with the relevant countries in various ways, while considering the safety of the vessels and the position of the shipping companies." The official explained that this also includes discussions between the South Korean and Iranian governments. Additionally, the official reiterated the government's basic stance that "in accordance with relevant international regulations, the freedom of navigation and safety for all vessels, including those from South Korea, must be swiftly ensured in the Strait of Hormuz."

In relation to this issue, Jeong Byungha, the Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was dispatched to Iran on April 11. On April 22 (local time), he met with Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, to discuss the passage of South Korean vessels. However, as of now, there has been no meaningful movement of South Korean ships.

According to local Iranian media, a Panama-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) owned by a Japanese company passed through the Strait of Hormuz on this day, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil. During the passage, it reportedly did not pay a separate transit fee but was granted permission by Iranian authorities. Japanese media welcomed this as an "achievement of negotiations by the Japanese government." Earlier this month, three other Japanese-related vessels also passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

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