Iran says South Korean ships can pass Hormuz with coordination

Iran has indicated that South Korean vessels may be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only following prior coordination with Tehran, as tensions in the region continue to disrupt global shipping routes.

Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Iran’s ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Koozechi, said that 26 South Korean vessels carrying around 180 crew members remain stranded in the key maritime corridor, which has effectively been blocked following attacks by the United States and Israel.

Koozechi emphasised that Tehran does not view South Korea as an adversarial country and suggested that safe passage remains possible under certain conditions. “There are no problems with the vessels,” he said through an interpreter. “But in order for them to pass through, you need coordination, prior consultations with the Iranian military and government.”

He added that Iranian authorities had asked Seoul to provide detailed information about the stranded ships during a phone conversation between the two countries’ foreign ministers earlier in the week, though he did not clarify whether the request was intended to initiate negotiations over their transit.

“Iran is acting in good faith and is willing to allow South Korean ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, but the process will depend on receiving the relevant information and the vessels list. Once they are provided, we will consider it,” Koozechi said.

Responding to the remarks, South Korea’s foreign ministry said the request from Tehran was framed as a call for cooperation on safety measures in case of a humanitarian situation involving the anchored vessels, rather than a condition tied to their passage through the waterway.

During the same phone talks, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged Iran to reduce tensions and ensure safe navigation through the strategic route, which is critical for global energy supplies. He also requested Tehran’s cooperation in guaranteeing the safety of the stranded ships and their crews. However, the issue of granting passage was not explicitly discussed, according to Seoul.

Koozechi also said that, despite viewing South Korea as a non-hostile country, Iran considers restrictions on vessels linked to US business interests unavoidable under current circumstances. “Imposing restrictions on them is only natural,” he said. “Blocking their activities and enforcing economic restrictions is Iran's right to self-defence.”

The ambassador made the remarks during an event at the Iranian Embassy in Seoul that included a photo exhibition and documentary screening. The materials focused on the impact of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, featuring images of damaged buildings and footage showing children killed in an airstrike on an elementary school, as well as scenes of grieving families.

By Tamilla Hasanova