S. Korea-operated vessel passing through Strait of Hormuz: foreign minister

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced Wednesday that a South Korean-operated oil tanker, managed by HMM Co., had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after receiving clearance from Iranian authorities. The vessel, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, began its transit on Tuesday near Qatar and was expected to enter the Gulf of Oman by late Wednesday. It had been stranded near the strategic waterway since late February. The tanker’s passage follows weeks of consultations with Iran, with South Korea emphasizing safety protocols for crew members, including more than 20 aboard, fewer than 10 of whom are South Korean. Iran did not impose a transit fee, and the ship is traveling along a designated route. The move reduces the number of South Korean vessels stranded in the strait to 25, including the HMM Namu, a Panama-flagged cargo ship attacked by unidentified flying objects two weeks ago, causing an explosion and minor injuries to one crew member. South Korea is analyzing engine debris from the HMM Namu incident to determine its origin and responsibility. The government stressed that Iran’s approval for the tanker’s passage was unrelated to the attack and that ongoing discussions aim to ensure safe transit for all stranded vessels. Minister Cho previously held talks with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, agreeing to maintain consultations on vessel safety. The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, with Iran restricting passage for foreign ships. South Korea’s successful transit marks a rare breakthrough, though 25 vessels remain stranded while negotiations continue.