Photo : YONHAP News
The foreign ministry says it is mulling ways for South Korean vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on news that a Japanese oil tanker passed through the strait after getting approval from Iranian authorities.
A ministry official said Wednesday that the government is actively seeking ways to address the current situation, including consultations with the Iranian government, based on its fundamental position.
Seoul’s basic stance is that all vessels stranded in the strait, including South Korea’s, should swiftly be guaranteed free and safe passage in line with international regulations.
The official said Seoul is holding multilateral contacts and cooperation with related countries, with the ships’ safety and the positions of shipping companies in mind.
The official’s remarks come after Iranian media said a very large crude carrier belonging to a Japanese shipping firm and carrying two million barrels of crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the day, after securing approval from Iranian authorities.
Japanese media quoted a senior government official as saying no fee was paid for the passage, adding that the latest development was the result of the Japanese government’s negotiations.