South Korea extends Iran mission of special envoy amid Hormuz tensions

South Korea has instructed its special envoy dispatched to Iran to remain in the country until the “situation becomes stable,” as Seoul seeks to ensure the safe passage of Korean vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid growing concerns over an emerging oil crisis.

The envoy, Chung Byung-ha, was appointed last week to assist with 26 South Korea-linked vessels currently stranded in the strategic waterway, CNN reports, citing Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

Speaking on Wednesday, Cho said he had delivered “a difficult story” to the envoy, requesting that he remain in Iran until conditions stabilise.

South Korea is among several US allies — including Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines — heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil supplies. These countries have reportedly been seeking direct arrangements with Iran amid heightened volatility in global energy markets.