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South Korea's foreign ministry on Sunday said that the ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and their associated countries face differing circumstances, after two Japan-linked vessels transited the critical waterway effectively under Iranian control. The statement came as 26 South Korean vessels with 173 sailors on board remain stranded in the strait since late February, following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, according to Yonhap news agency.

"Ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz vary widely in terms of nationality, ownership, operators, cargo, destinations and crew, leading to differing circumstances for each vessel and the countries involved," the ministry said in a message to media, as reported by Yonhap. "We prioritize the safety of vessels and their crew members as we take into account the positions of shipping companies," it added.

Coverage comparison

Two Yonhap reports examined the situation from different angles. The first, a news wire report, focused on the ministry's official statement and the operational context. The second offered a more analytical take on why Korean ships remain stranded, comparing Seoul's response to that of Japan and other nations. Both reports come from Yonhap, South Korea's leading wire service, and rely on official sources and diplomatic observers.

Key claims

  • The ministry said it is working with allied countries to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and safety for all vessels, including Korean ships, in line with international norms, according to Yonhap.
  • Two Japan-linked gas tankers transited through the shipping lane despite its closure, allowing for the departure of some 26 South Korean ships with 173 sailors still stuck since late February, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Iran has said ships can pass through the maritime corridor through bilateral consultations with Tehran, while appearing to impose tolls on vessels as leverage over global energy supplies, Yonhap reported.
  • Several ships linked to China, Thailand, and France have also passed through the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that those countries engaged in swift, targeted negotiations with Iran, according to Yonhap's analysis.
  • Tehran has allowed passage for ships from friendly countries such as China and Russia, as well as securing safe transit for Philippine vessels, Yonhap noted.
  • South Korea's diplomatic efforts have yielded limited results. The foreign minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart on March 23 and the National Assembly met with Iran's ambassador, but only one trainee seafarer has returned home by air, Yonhap reported.
  • Diplomatic observers suggest that while Japan framed its success as corporate-level coordination, its independent channels and longstanding cooperation with Tehran likely played a significant role, Yonhap said.

Perspectives

The South Korean government viewpoint, as conveyed by the foreign ministry, emphasizes the diversity of vessels and cargo as a complicating factor and stresses that ongoing efforts are being made with relevant countries to restore safe navigation.

Diplomatic observers quoted by Yonhap in the analytical report express concern that Korea's engagement with Iran has been less effective than that of other nations, noting that quick negotiations have yet to yield tangible progress. They also point out that Japan's proactive diplomacy, utilizing high-level contacts and existing economic ties, may have enabled more favorable treatment from Iranian authorities.

The Yonhap analysis also highlighted that disruptions to crude oil supply from the Strait of Hormuz are adding to inflationary pressure, which further complicates the geopolitical landscape.