SEOUL: South Korean Overseas Minister Cho Hyun mentioned the situation in the Middle East, together with freedom of navigation via the Strait of Hormuz, in a phone name on Friday (Sep 11) along with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Seoul’s overseas ministry stated.
Cho expressed deep concern over the state of affairs and voiced his hope for the restoration of lasting peace and stability within the area, the ministry stated in a press release.
Cho advised Araghchi that South Korea had constantly supported free and secure navigation for all vessels and took part in worldwide efforts to assist maritime safety, it stated.
Araghchi outlined Iran’s place on regional developments, and the ministers agreed to take care of open communication, in accordance with the assertion.
The decision, which the overseas ministry stated was organized at Iran’s request, got here after Seoul sent an inspection team to the Center East in an effort to assess whether or not to ship troops to the area.
South Korea’s presidential workplace stated final week that Seoul was reviewing its choices, together with army measures, to assist freedom of navigation within the Strait of Hormuz.
The transfer follows US President Donald Trump’s determination in August to scale back US-South Korea joint army workout routines, criticising Seoul for not becoming a member of US efforts in the course of the Iran battle and citing the price of the drills.
Iran’s overseas ministry spokesperson stated on X earlier this week that any South Korean army presence or participation in operations within the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz can be thought of assist for US “aggression” and would have critical penalties.
South Korea’s authorities has stated no determination has been made on a deployment.
