Two South Korean Vessels Pass Through Strait of Hormuz, First Since Cease-Fire Agreement

[Anchor]

Following the cease-fire agreement between the United States and Iran, two South Korean vessels have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first time South Korean ships have transited the strait since the agreement was reached.

Reporter Kim Hye-min has the story.

[Reporter]

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced today (June 22) that "two vessels operated by a South Korean shipping company, which had been waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz, have passed through the strait and are now sailing normally."

Although these ships are operated by a South Korean company, it is reported that there are no South Korean crew members on board and their destination is not South Korea.

The Ministry added, "The vessels have not yet completely cleared the danger zone," and requested understanding, stating, "We cannot disclose specific details such as the shipping company, vessel names, or transit-related information, out of consideration for the safety of the crew and the position of the shipping company."

The passage of these vessels through the Strait of Hormuz follows the cease-fire agreement between the United States and Iran.

Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding on the cease-fire between the two countries stipulates that upon signing, Iran will take measures to allow the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees for a period of 60 days.

With these two South Korean vessels exiting the Strait of Hormuz, the number of South Korean ships remaining in the strait has decreased to 22.

When the strait was blockaded at the end of February, there were 26 South Korean vessels inside. After one oil tanker and one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier exited following consultations with the Iranian side, 24 ships remained at the time of the cease-fire agreement.

There are currently 135 South Korean crew members remaining in the Strait of Hormuz.

Starting with these two vessels, it is expected that South Korean ships will continue to exit the area sequentially.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, "We are supporting safe operations by providing information related to transit through the strait and conducting real-time monitoring to ensure the safe passage of our vessels."

[Video Editing: Wi Won-yang]
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.