South Korean Speaker Calls for Diplomacy as 24 Vessels Remain Stranded in Strait of Hormuz After U.S.–Iran Ceasefire

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik met Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the parliamentary building in Seoul on June 19 and urged the government to take all possible diplomatic measures to bring home 24 South Korea-linked vessels and their crews stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

Cho said the war in the Middle East had come to a halt after 106 days following a ceasefire deal reached between the United States and Iran earlier this week. He told the foreign minister that South Korea's national interests must be fully protected in any follow-up measures once a formal end to the war is declared.

"I urge you to take all possible diplomatic measures to ensure that the 24 vessels and their crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz can return home safely," Cho said during the meeting. Commercial shipping through the strait was largely halted during the conflict because of threats of missile and drone attacks.

A large number of vessels remain in the waterway, including the 24 South Korea-linked ships.

The foreign ministry stated on Tuesday, June 16, that South Korea has begun consultations with the United States, Iran and other relevant countries on navigation through the strait. Cho added that the National Assembly will support the government's pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests.