South Korea Pledges Efforts to Secure Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Ceasefire

SEOUL — In the wake of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, South Korea has pledged to make every effort to ensure its vessels can safely transit the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies. The commitment comes as seven Korean oil tankers remain stranded in the region, carrying a combined 14 million barrels of crude — equivalent to five days of the nation's oil consumption.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, stipulates that Washington will suspend strikes on Iran for two weeks, contingent on Tehran agreeing to the "complete" and "immediate" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has indicated that safe passage through the strait would be possible for two weeks, subject to coordination with its Armed Forces and consideration of "technical limitations."

According to Yonhap News Agency, a Cheong Wa Dae official stated, "The government will do its best to ensure our vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible." The official noted that Seoul is determining the exact method and conditions for passage through communication with relevant countries, acknowledging the limitations outlined by the Iranian side.

South Korea's heavy reliance on the Middle East for oil and gas imports — with more than 60 percent of its crude oil delivered through the Strait of Hormuz — underscores the urgency of the situation. The finance ministry said the ceasefire could help ease global oil supply conditions, yet warned that uncertainties remain.

"While the ceasefire announced today and the temporary lifting of the Strait of Hormuz blockade could somewhat ease crude oil supply conditions, uncertainties remain regarding future developments, and it is necessary to continue monitoring their impact on our economy," said Moon Ji-sung, deputy minister for international economic affairs, during a meeting with officials from oil-importing companies and state-run energy firms.

Despite the truce, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac reported on April 10 that shipping through the strait remains "disrupted," with uncertainty in supply chains likely to continue. "Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted," Wi said at a press briefing. "Uncertainty in the supply chains is likely to continue for the time being." He noted that the number of vessels crossing the strait has not increased significantly since the ceasefire, and if around 2,000 trapped vessels attempt to leave all at once, it could take time, posing challenges to ensuring safe shipping routes.

The government has been exploring alternative shipping lanes, including the Red Sea, as a contingency. On April 17, President Lee Jae Myung shared a news report that a South Korean oil tanker had exited the Red Sea — the first shipment of crude oil to the nation since the blockade began. In a social media post, Lee called it "good news that our vessel is transporting crude oil via the Red Sea for the first time since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz," describing the safe passage as a "valuable achievement" made possible through close coordination among relevant ministries and the dedication of seafarers under difficult circumstances.

The foreign ministry welcomed the ceasefire agreement, expressing hope for the safe and swift resumption of navigation through the strait. "Our government welcomes the agreement between the United States and Iran for a ceasefire ... and the groundwork it has laid for the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," spokesperson Park Il said in a statement. Park also voiced hope for a swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.

Key Claims

  • Ceasefire terms: U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to suspend strikes on Iran for two weeks, subject to Tehran's acceptance of the complete and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Stranded vessels: Seven oil tankers, including four flag carriers, carrying shipments for Korean refineries are currently stuck in the strait, along with eight other Korean vessels transporting petroleum products, five bulk carriers, two liquefied gas carriers, one container ship, and one vehicle carrier.
  • Supply chain risks: Over 60 percent of South Korea's crude oil imports transit the strait, making the waterway vital to its energy security.
  • Ongoing disruptions: Despite the ceasefire, shipping through the strait remains largely blocked, with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stating that uncertainty in supply chains is likely to persist.
  • Alternative routes: South Korea has begun using the Red Sea as an alternate shipping route, with the first crude oil tanker exiting the Red Sea on April 17.

Perspectives

  • South Korean government: Officials express cautious optimism, emphasizing proactive measures to secure safe passage and alternative supplies, while monitoring the evolving situation.
  • Economic and trade officials: The finance ministry highlights potential easing of oil supply conditions but stresses the need for continued vigilance due to lingering uncertainties.
  • National security advisers: Wi Sung-lac underscores the practical challenges of resuming normal shipping, pointing to the large number of trapped vessels and ongoing disruptions.

Note: This article is based on reports from Yonhap News Agency, which has provided consistent coverage of the South Korean government's response to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.