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A South Korean oil tanker has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz after consultations between Seoul and Tehran, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed on Wednesday, according to local media reports.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Cho said the vessel had already entered the waterway and was proceeding cautiously through the strategic chokepoint, Yonhap News Agency reported.
“Consultations with Iranian authorities were completed, and the vessel began sailing yesterday. It is passing through the strait very cautiously,” Cho said.
He added that the tanker was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil.
According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, the vessel is one of 26 South Korean ships that had previously been affected by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and is now transiting the route in coordination with Iranian authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor connecting Gulf energy producers with global markets, has faced heightened security concerns following recent tensions involving the U.S. and Iran.
Separately, Seoul said its investigation into an earlier attack on a South Korean-operated commercial vessel in the strait was nearing completion.
Authorities previously said two unidentified flying objects struck the HMM Namu on May 4, causing an onboard explosion and fire. Further analysis of debris recovered from the scene is still ongoing, The Korea Times reported.
“The investigation appears to be almost in its final stage,” Cho said, adding that findings would be released once finalized.
Cho also said he had remained in close contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi throughout the process, holding five phone conversations and dispatching a special envoy to Tehran.
“I clearly told Minister Araghchi that they should also look into the matter and cooperate for an accurate investigation,” he said.
According to Cho, vessel operator HMM Co. provided security camera footage to authorities but opposed its public release.
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