In an update to South Korea's response to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated on April 15 that Seoul has no plans to pay Iran for passage of its 26 stranded ships carrying 173 seafarers, aligning with the U.S.-led blockade. Data on the vessels was shared with Iran, the U.S., and Gulf states, factoring in a recent two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun informed the National Assembly on April 15, responding to a lawmaker: "At this stage, we have no plans to pay Iran any form of compensation or to take any action that would run counter to what the United States has stated."
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked amid the U.S.-Iran war, which has stranded 26 South Korean ships and 173 seafarers since late February strikes. Building on prior diplomatic efforts, Seoul shared vessel and crew details not only with Iran but also the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, seeking their cooperation for safety.
The presidential office confirmed the data sharing on Tuesday. "We have asked them for (cooperation regarding) their safety," Cho added, noting the decision accounts for the two-week ceasefire to enable interim actions and potential negotiations for ship release.
This positions South Korea as supportive of the U.S.-led blockade while pursuing crew welfare in the ongoing crisis.
