South Korea has begun sharing detailed information on its vessels with Iranian authorities as it seeks to secure safe passage for ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.
Diplomatic sources said the data covers 26 South Korea-linked vessels carrying 173 crew members currently waiting near the strategic waterway. The exchange is part of broader diplomatic efforts rather than a request for special treatment for individual ships.
The move coincides with the ongoing visit to Tehran by special envoy Chung Byung-ha, who is discussing maritime safety, crew protection, freedom of navigation and the wider regional situation with senior Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun briefed President Lee Jae-myung's cabinet on Tuesday regarding the envoy's talks.
The timing remains sensitive. A two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran announced on April 7 has come under strain following collapsed follow-up talks and renewed escalation, including a U.S. naval blockade.
NEW: South Korea begins direct negotiations with Iran to get its ships out of the Persian Gulf
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0)April 14, 2026
The details include:
- South Korea has appointed a special envoy to negotiate directly with Iran
- 26 South Korean ships are stranded around the Strait of Hormuz
- South Korea is…pic.twitter.com/qRpbnqvWY6
In a separate development, South Korea will provide $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran through the International Committee of the Red Cross, responding to requests from the United Nations and other international organisations. This follows $2 million in aid sent to Lebanon last month, bringing total recent regional assistance to $2.5 million.
The Foreign Ministry has stressed that the humanitarian assistance is unrelated to the Hormuz negotiations. Separately, one tanker associated with South Korea's Janggeum Maritime — the Mombasa B — reportedly transited the strait earlier this month via an Iranian-approved route. Seoul clarified the vessel is not directly owned by the company and carried no South Korean crew.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil trade and is vital to South Korea's energy security.
Sources:
（Related：
High Court Reversal: Japanese Language School Cleared After Staff Chained Student
｜
Latest
）
