Timing of Strait Passage "Still Uncertain"... Government "Reviewing Role in Reconstruction"

[Anchor]

Although the Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen, immediate movement remains difficult. The threat of naval mines persists, and it is still unclear which shipping lanes are safe. The 24 South Korean vessels currently in the area are awaiting government guidance while growing increasingly concerned that the wait could be prolonged.

Reporting by Kim Hye-young.

[Reporter]

While it is reported that the Strait of Hormuz will be "freely reopened" for 60 days once the United States and Iran officially sign a ceasefire memorandum of understanding on the 19th, it remains unclear when passage will actually be possible.

It is still unknown whether the existing route through the center of the strait, used before the war, will be reused, or if the northern route established by the Iranian side will be utilized.

If Iran has laid mines in the strait, it is not yet determined who will remove them or how. Above all, there are no established criteria or sequences for how the estimated 1,000 vessels from various countries will exit the strait.

[Park Il / Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: A comprehensive consideration of various factors is required, including the overall safety of the strait such as the presence of mines, the speed of the reopening, and available shipping lanes.]

Reuters reported that it could take another 40 to 50 days to return to normal passage due to the need for mine clearance and safety verification of the shipping lanes.

Among shipping companies, there is growing concern that if this hard-won opportunity for passage is missed, the waiting period could become even longer.

[Shipping Company Official (Voice altered): I heard they (shipping companies) expressed concerns to the government about what would happen if they missed the timing and the situation became more prolonged.]

A South Korean government official stated, "As the window of opportunity has opened, we are making every effort to ensure our vessels can exit safely within the 60-day period."

Regarding foreign media reports that the U.S. is considering the creation of an Iranian reconstruction fund, the official stated that while there have been no specific requests yet, the government will review taking a constructive and active role in future reconstruction projects.

(Video reporting: Jo Chun-dong, Video editing: Jung Sung-hun, Design: Han Heung-soo, Kang Yoon-jung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.