FM urges Tehran to clarify stance on attack on S. Korean vessel in call with Iranian counterpart

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs annex of the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, Monday. Yonhap

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held phone talks with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday and urged Tehran to clarify its stance on a recent attack involving a Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign ministry said.

During the talks, Cho explained that the Korean government is conducting an additional investigation into the attack on the HMM Namu, a Panama-flagged cargo ship operated by Korean shipping firm HMM Co., and asked the Iranian side to clarify its position on the facts surrounding the incident, according to the ministry.

Cho also stressed the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation for all vessels, including Korean ships, in the conflict-hit strait.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gestures as he arrives for a group photograph during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, May 14. AFP-Yonhap

In response, Araghchi shared Iran's position on the current situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to restore safe passage in the crucial waterway, while calling for a swift end to the ongoing standoff, the ministry said.

The two sides agreed to maintain close communication to help ensure the safety of Korean vessels and crew members in the strait.

A government investigation team earlier concluded a strike by two unidentified flying objects caused an explosion and fire aboard the HMM Namu on May 4. The presidential office has said it is working to determine who was behind the attack.