South Korean-Operated Vessels Pass through Strait of Hormuz amid Ongoing Maritime Security Concerns
Two vessels operated by South Korean shipping companies have safely navigated through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first successful transit by South Korean-linked ships since Washington and Tehran reached an agreement last week to reopen one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors.
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the two vessels had been waiting near the narrow waterway before successfully passing through and continuing their voyages. While the ships have exited the strait itself, authorities noted that they remain within a broader region still classified as high-risk for commercial shipping operations.
The vessels are managed by South Korean shipping firms but are crewed entirely by foreign nationals. Neither ship is currently bound for South Korea.
Monday’s successful passage represents the third confirmed transit involving South Korean-linked vessels since tensions escalated in the region, following earlier departures recorded on May 20 and June 11. It is also the first instance in which two South Korean-operated vessels crossed the strategic waterway simultaneously since the crisis began.
South Korean authorities declined to reveal the names of the vessels, operating companies, or detailed voyage information, citing security considerations and the protection of commercial interests.
With the latest departures, the number of South Korean-linked vessels remaining in or around the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to 22. Government data indicates that 135 South Korean sailors remain stationed in the Persian Gulf region, including 102 aboard South Korean-operated vessels and 33 serving on foreign-flagged ships.
The transit follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran aimed at easing regional tensions and restoring maritime traffic. Under the agreement, Iran committed to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and suspending transit-related fees during a 60-day negotiation period designed to achieve a longer-term settlement. U.S. officials have indicated that the toll-free arrangement is expected to remain in place under any future permanent agreement.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the South Korean government continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf region and remains focused on ensuring the safety of vessels and crew members.
“We will continue cooperating with relevant countries to ensure the swift restoration of free and safe passage for all vessels, including ours,” Cho said.
The minister also confirmed that Seoul is coordinating with Tehran to arrange a future telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Despite the reopening of the waterway, uncertainty remains over the future of commercial shipping operations in the region. Reports from Iranian media over the weekend suggested that military authorities had declared the Strait of Hormuz closed due to alleged violations of the recent U.S.-Iran understanding and regional security concerns.
A senior South Korean Foreign Ministry official reiterated Seoul’s position that international vessels should not be subjected to transit fees when passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The official warned that any future attempt to impose such charges could negatively affect global trade and challenge established principles of international maritime law.
“Many countries are concerned that imposing transit fees could damage the international trading system and the international legal order,” the official stated.
South Korea also raised concerns with Tehran regarding the May attack on the South Korean-operated cargo vessel HMM Namu while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. South Korean investigators believe one of the projectiles that struck the vessel was likely an Iranian-developed Noor-series anti-ship missile, based on recovered debris and forensic analysis.
However, officials emphasized that restoring safe navigation and protecting vessels currently operating in the area remains the government’s immediate priority.
Authorities stated that diplomatic channels remain active to prevent future incidents and to ensure the safe passage of the remaining South Korean-linked vessels still operating near the strategic maritime chokepoint.
South Korean officials also dismissed speculation regarding participation in a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and economic development initiative reportedly included in discussions between Washington and Tehran. The project remains in its early stages and no formal funding request has been submitted to Seoul.
Officials noted that South Korea will continue exploring future economic cooperation opportunities in the Middle East, including potential post-conflict development projects involving Iran and Iraq.
The successful transit of the two vessels highlights a cautious but important step toward restoring confidence in one of the world’s busiest energy and shipping routes. Even as maritime traffic resumes, regional security risks and geopolitical uncertainties continue to influence global shipping, energy markets, supply chains, and international trade flows.
