South Korea, Iran discuss Strait of Hormuz tensions

• South Korea expressed deep concern about the situation in the Middle East and said it hoped for sustainable peace and stability. 
• Both ministers agreed to maintain communication on regional and bilateral issues via bilateral and multilateral channels. 

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, on Friday, with the two officials discussing the broader situation in the Middle East and the increasingly sensitive question of security in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. 

The call took place as Seoul weighs whether to send military assets to help safeguard the strategically vital waterway, a step Washington has been pushing its ally to consider. 

Iran, for its part, has firmly rejected any foreign military presence in the strait, making the issue a delicate one for South Korean policymakers caught between alliance obligations and Tehran's objections. 

During the conversation, Cho conveyed deep concern over recent developments in the Middle East and expressed hope that lasting peace and stability could be restored to the region, the ministry said.

Turning to the Strait of Hormuz specifically, Cho reaffirmed South Korea's ongoing participation in international efforts to preserve freedom of navigation through the waterway. 

He reiterated Seoul's longstanding position that the free and safe passage of all vessels must be guaranteed, regardless of the broader political tensions in the region.

Cho also asked Iran to pay close attention to the safety of South Korean nationals living in or traveling through the region.

For his part, Araghchi outlined Iran's stance on the current state of affairs in the Middle East, according to the ministry's readout. 

The two ministers agreed to keep communication channels open on both regional developments and bilateral matters, through both direct dialogue and multilateral forums. 

Friday's conversation marked the sixth known phone call between Cho and Araghchi since the US-Iran conflict erupted in late February. 

The ministry noted that this latest call was held at Araghchi's request, underscoring Tehran's continued interest in keeping Seoul informed of its position as South Korea deliberates over its potential role in the Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed dialogue highlights the diplomatic balancing act facing South Korea, which must weigh its security alliance with the United States against its economic and diplomatic relationship with Iran, all while safeguarding the interests and safety of its own citizens in the region.

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