South Korean ships can transit Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s coordination

South Korean ships seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz must first coordinate with Iranian military and government authorities, Tehran’s ambassador to Seoul said Thursday. Saeed Koozechi described South Korea as a “non-adversarial country” and clarified that while there are no inherent obstacles for its vessels, prior consultations are mandatory. The remarks come as some 26 South Korean ships carrying roughly 180 crew members remain stranded in the strategic waterway, which was a bustling maritime corridor before hostilities erupted on February 28.

Coordination required

Koozechi revealed that Tehran requested detailed information about the stranded vessels during a phone call between the two countries’ foreign ministers on Monday. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun had urged his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to ensure safe navigation through the strait amid the escalating conflict. According to the Iranian diplomatic mission in Mumbai, Tehran has permitted passage for “friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.”

Energy dependence and regional context

South Korea procures nearly 55 percent of its energy supplies from Gulf states, all of which transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The country paid approximately $144 billion for energy imports in 2024. The waterway has remained effectively under Iranian control since the US and Israel launched their joint air offensive against Iran late last month, a campaign that has claimed over 1,340 lives, including Iran’s then‑supreme leader. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes across the region, further tightening its grip on this critical chokepoint.

Türkiye’s strategic position

As a nation straddling vital energy corridors, Türkiye has watched the Strait of Hormuz disruptions with particular concern. Ankara has pursued a diversified energy strategy to reduce dependence on any single route, investing in alternative supply lines and domestic resources. Turkish officials continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions that would restore freedom of navigation and stabilize global energy markets, emphasizing that unilateral control over strategic waterways undermines international trade and fuels broader instability.