South Korean Ships Exiting Strait of Hormuz as Diplomatic Efforts Continue

South Korea’s government confirmed on May 25 that 13 of the 26 vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz have exited the waterway, with the remaining 13 expected to depart in the coming days, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The progress follows months of diplomatic pressure and negotiations with Iran, which had imposed unilateral tolls on ships seeking to leave the strait during the 2024 U.S.-Iran conflict.

Government Response and Diplomatic Efforts

A senior Foreign Ministry official stated during a press briefing at the Seoul Government Complex that “the majority of our vessels have now passed through the Strait of Hormuz, and ongoing coordination with maritime authorities and diplomatic channels suggests the remaining ships will clear the area soon.” The official emphasized that the government’s sustained monitoring of the strait’s safety and the “unimpeded navigation rights” of South Korean vessels remained a priority.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, along with overseas embassies, has maintained a “one-team” approach to ensure the safe passage of the remaining ships, the official added. This effort aligns with South Korea’s long-standing stance that “all vessels must be guaranteed free and timely passage” through the strait, a principle reiterated during high-level talks with Iran in April 2024.

Regional Comparisons and Maritime Challenges

Japan, another country with significant maritime interests in the region, has seen 37 of its 45 vessels remain trapped in the strait, according to data from the Japanese Coast Guard. South Korea’s faster exit rate has been attributed to its aggressive diplomatic engagement with Iran, including a direct call between Foreign Minister Park Jin and Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in late April.

The congestion in the strait intensified after the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in March 2024, which led to the exodus of over 500 vessels. While this created temporary bottlenecks, South Korean ships accounted for 11 of the 100 vessels that exited the strait in the past three days, a figure analysts say reflects the success of Seoul’s diplomatic strategy.

Impact of the May 4 Missile Incident

The May 4 attack on the South Korean-flagged ship *Naemu* by Iranian missiles, which damaged the vessel but resulted in no casualties, also played a role in accelerating negotiations. The incident prompted increased scrutiny of maritime security in the region, with the South Korean government using it as leverage to push for safer passage conditions for its ships.

“The *Naemu* incident highlighted the risks of prolonged delays in the strait,” said a maritime analyst at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. “South Korea’s ability to secure a swift resolution underscores the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in high-risk zones.”

Looking Ahead

With the majority of South Korean vessels now clear of the strait, the focus shifts to ensuring the remaining 13 ships navigate the area without further complications. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it would continue “close coordination with international partners and local authorities to mitigate any unforeseen challenges.”

The situation also raises broader questions about the stability of critical maritime routes in the Middle East. As global trade depends heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, the South Korean experience highlights the delicate balance between diplomatic negotiation and commercial urgency in volatile regions.