SEOUL: South Korean Overseas Minister Cho Hyun mentioned the situation in the Middle East, together with freedom of navigation by way of the Strait of Hormuz, in a phone name on Friday (Sep 11) along with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Seoul’s overseas ministry mentioned.
Cho expressed deep concern over the scenario and voiced his hope for the restoration of lasting peace and stability within the area, the ministry mentioned in a press release.
Cho advised Araghchi that South Korea had constantly supported free and protected navigation for all vessels and took part in worldwide efforts to assist maritime safety, it mentioned.
Araghchi outlined Iran’s place on regional developments, and the ministers agreed to take care of open communication, in keeping with the assertion.
The decision, which the overseas ministry mentioned was organized at Iran’s request, got here after Seoul sent an inspection team to the Center East with a purpose to assess whether or not to ship troops to the area.
South Korea’s presidential workplace mentioned final week that Seoul was reviewing its choices, together with navy measures, to assist freedom of navigation within the Strait of Hormuz.
The transfer follows US President Donald Trump’s resolution in August to scale back US-South Korea joint navy workout routines, criticising Seoul for not becoming a member of US efforts in the course of the Iran warfare and citing the price of the drills.
Iran’s overseas ministry spokesperson mentioned on X earlier this week that any South Korean navy presence or participation in operations within the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz could be thought-about assist for US “aggression” and would have critical penalties.
South Korea’s authorities has mentioned no resolution has been made on a deployment.
