Iran Sets Conditions for South Korean Vessels in Hormuz Strait
Iran announced that South Korean ships may transit the Strait of Hormuz provided they coordinate with Tehran and remain non-hostile toward U.S. and Israeli interests.
Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi announced on March 26, 2026, that South Korea is categorized as a non-hostile country, allowing its vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz provided they undergo prior coordination and verification with the Iranian government. This conditional opening follows a period where 26 South Korean ships and approximately 141 to 180 crew members remained stranded in the waterway due to conflict between Iran and U.S.-aligned forces.
Koozechi stated that any vessels serving U.S. or Israeli interests, or those engaged in trade with them, remain subject to sanctions and restrictions as a matter of self-defense. While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi requested a list of Korean-flagged ships during a call with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-taek, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied negotiating passage rights. South Korean officials asserted that communications were limited to humanitarian safety and emergency supplies, maintaining that the strait is an international waterway.
South Korea has declined bilateral consultations with Iran, opting instead to monitor UN discussions. Meanwhile, Iran has granted passage permissions to ships from China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India. The Iranian Parliament is also reportedly drafting legislation to impose tolls on ships using the waterway to enhance vessel safety.
