Politics · Singapore Bureau
Seoul, Tehran discuss Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz access
South Korea's foreign minister has held talks with his Iranian counterpart to address regional security concerns, with particular focus on maintaining freedom of navigation through one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
LSN Singapore ·
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke by telephone on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, Seoul's foreign ministry confirmed.
The conversation centred on broader regional security issues, including the preservation of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway that handles approximately one-third of global maritime oil trade. The strait has become an increasingly sensitive flashpoint amid rising tensions between Iran and Western powers.
The discussion underscores Seoul's efforts to maintain diplomatic channels with key regional players as security concerns mount across the Middle East. South Korea has significant economic interests in the region, including substantial energy imports that transit through the Hormuz chokepoint.
The phone call represents part of broader diplomatic efforts by Seoul to engage with multiple stakeholders in the region as it seeks to balance its strategic partnerships and protect its own interests in maintaining stable international commerce routes.