South Korea coordinates with Iran to secure shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Iran/FOTO CVN 69 transits the Strait of Hormuz via Wikimedia Commons

South Korea is holding intensive talks with various countries, including Iran, to ensure the normalization of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the official, this was done after Tehran stated that it was ready to allow Japanese-bound ships to pass through the sea lanes that were practically closed due to the Middle East crisis.

"The government is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East while seeking ways to protect our citizens and secure energy transport routes," a South Korean Foreign Ministry official said, quoted by ANTARA from Yonhap, Saturday, March 21.

"We are actively communicating with the relevant countries, including Iran," he continued.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier told Kyodo news agency that Tehran was ready to allow Japanese-bound vessels to pass through the main oil shipping lanes after proper consultations with Tokyo.

The Strait of Hormuz covers more than 20 percent of the world's oil trade routes.

All lanes accessible by oil tankers are within Iranian territorial waters, making the strait a vital route for countries in East Asia, including South Korea and Japan.

On Friday (20/3), Seoul said it would join seven countries, including European countries and Japan, in their joint statement condemning Iran's attacks in the Gulf and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions have been rising after US and Israeli air raids, which prompted Iran to effectively blockade the strait and raised fears of a global energy crisis.