South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced that a South Korea-operated vessel carrying two million barrels of crude oil is crossing the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iranian authorities. According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho told political leaders in Seoul that discussions with Iran had been completed and the ship began its journey the previous day, proceeding through the strait with extreme caution.

Cho stated that this is the first South Korea-controlled ship to pass through the strait since the outbreak of war between Iran and the United States-Israel. The move follows an incident about two weeks earlier when another South Korean-operated vessel, the HMM Namu, was damaged by two projectiles or flying objects in the same area, leaving one crew member slightly injured.

The coordination with Iran indicates Seoul’s cautious approach to ensuring maritime safety for its vessels in a region affected by heightened conflict and security risks.