Iran offers conditional passage through Hormuz, envoy says

Saeed Koozechi, Iran's ambassador to Korea, speaks during a press conference held at the Iranian Embassy in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Iran has classified Korea as a "non-hostile country" in the current conflict and indicated that Korean vessels may pass through the Strait of Hormuz, provided they secure prior coordination with Tehran, Iran's ambassador to Korea said Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Seoul, Ambassador Saeed Koozechi emphasized that Tehran does not regard Seoul as an adversary and that Korean vessels have not faced safety issues so far.

"South Korea is considered a non-hostile country," he said, adding that Iran appreciates Seoul's stance of not joining Washington-led measures against Tehran.

Koozechi stressed, however, that safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is conditional.

“There is no problem with safety, but any vessel must coordinate with the Iranian government in advance. Passage is only possible through prior agreement," he said. He noted that this was the reason Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi requested information on Korean-flagged vessels during a phone call with his Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Monday, describing it as part of a routine review process.

“The current situation is one of war, and the Strait of Hormuz cannot be excluded from it. No vessel can simply pass without coordination,” the ambassador added.

Saeed Koozechi, Iran's ambassador to Korea, enters a press conference held at the Iranian Embassy in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

According to the envoy, Seoul and Tehran are maintaining communication through diplomatic channels, including minister-level contacts, to facilitate safe transit. Despite the heightened tensions, the ambassador reiterated that Korean vessels remain in a relatively favorable position.

“So far, there have been no problems for Korean ships or their crews,” he said. “If there is coordination and agreement, safe passage can be ensured.”

At the same time, the Iranian envoy drew a clear distinction regarding vessels tied to U.S. economic interests. He warned that ships associated with American companies, investments or broader economic activities could be subject to limitations.

“Any activities that serve the interests of the U.S. or Israel may be subject to sanctions,” he said.

Koozechi framed such measures as part of Iran’s “defensive rights,” citing damage inflicted by those two countries on Iranian infrastructure and civilian areas.

“Iranian people are under significant pressure and many civilian facilities have been targeted,” he said. “Under these circumstances, it is not reasonable for U.S. companies to continue normal economic activities in the region.”

A photo exhibition and documentary screening is held at the Iranian Embassy in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday, ahead of the press conference of its ambassador to Korea. Yonhap

However, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday afternoon that the Korean government has not engaged in bilateral discussions with Iran regarding the passage of Korean vessels, nor has it provided Tehran with information on Korean-flagged ships.

Responding to Koozechi’s remarks about requesting vessel information, the official explained that the issue was brought up during a phone call between the foreign ministers of the two countries, in which Seoul raised concerns about humanitarian conditions for ships currently anchored in the region. The request, the official said, was aimed at ensuring safety measures are in place in case of emergencies such as shortages of supplies, rather than negotiating passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, and Iran’s latest stance highlights the increasing complexity of international shipping in the region.

Currently, 26 South Korean vessels are stranded there, with 179 Korean crew members — including those aboard foreign-flagged ships — still unable to leave the area.

Ahead of the press conference, the Iranian Embassy in Seoul also hosted a photo exhibition and documentary screening as part of its propaganda efforts. The documentary portrayed children killed in a school airstrike, along with grieving family members, while photographs displayed inside the embassy showed buildings destroyed by strikes and plumes of smoke, accompanied by related social media posts and news reports.