Seoul, Tehran hold talks on vessel safety, Hormuz transit

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, held a telephone conversation to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Yonhap reports.

During the talks, Cho welcomed the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending their monthslong conflict. He also expressed hope for the faithful implementation of the agreement and further progress in follow-up negotiations, according to the ministry.

Cho emphasized the importance of ensuring the free and safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi briefed Cho on the status of negotiations with Washington and outlined Iran's position on related issues.

"The two ministers also exchanged views on pending bilateral issues and agreed to remain in close communication regarding the safety of vessels and crews, as well as the protection of their nationals," the ministry said in a statement.

The conversation marked the fifth phone call between the two foreign ministers since the conflict erupted in late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, 26 South Korean-linked vessels had been among more than 1,000 ships stranded inside the Persian Gulf after transit through the Strait of Hormuz became severely restricted.

Some 21 South Korean vessels have successfully passed through the strategic waterway, with most transiting over the past several days after Tehran agreed to allow vessels to pass without fees for 60 days under last week's MOU with the United States.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said in a post on social media platform X that three additional vessels are expected to transit the strait over the weekend.

One of the five remaining vessels, the HMM Namu, is currently undergoing repairs after sustaining damage in Iranian-linked missile attacks last month.

By Vafa Guliyeva