finance
South Korean Foreign Minister Meets Iranian Counterpart
South Korea's foreign minister discussed resuming safe vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran's foreign minister during a phone call. The conversation addressed 26 stranded South Korean ships and broader regional stability. It occurred as U.S. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's latest peace proposal.
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South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to ensure the safe resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call on Saturday. Cho highlighted that South Korean and other international vessels remain anchored in the waterway since the conflict began in late February.
The ministry stated that the call, initiated by Iran, marked the third such discussion between the ministers since the outbreak. A total of 26 South Korean vessels, carrying more than 170 crew members, have been stranded in the strait following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that sparked the war.
Cho expressed hope for the swift restoration of peace and stability, noting the conflict's impact on global security and the economy. Araghchi outlined Iran's position on negotiations with the United States.
Ongoing U.S.-Iran Negotiations U.S.
On Friday, Trump stated he was not satisfied with Iran's latest proposal. Negotiations remain stalled after the first direct round of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, last month ended without agreement. This statement came amid the broader regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict. Sources did not provide further details on the meeting's outcomes or additional discussions.
The stranded vessels underscore the economic fallout from the conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a crucial waterway for global oil transport. South Korea's foreign ministry emphasized the need for safe transit to mitigate disruptions. No immediate resolutions were announced following the call.
