Photo : YONHAP News
The government says it is communicating with Iran and other countries after Iran expressed a willingness to allow Japanese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following consultations.
An official from Seoul’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that the government is keeping tabs on the situation in the Middle East and seeking ways to protect South Koreans in the region.
The official said Seoul is working to secure safety in the country’s energy shipping route as it engages in multilateral communication with involved parties, including Iran.
In an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country has not closed the strait and that it is ready to facilitate safe passage for countries, such as Japan, so long as they coordinate with Iran.
The minister said relevant negotiations with Tokyo were ongoing.