SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - South Korea has reportedly shared information on its vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, multiple government sources said on Tuesday.
The development comes just a day after special envoy Chung Byung-ha arrived in Tehran the previous day to request that some 173 crew members aboard about a dozen South Korean vessels stranded in the strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply, be allowed to pass through the strategic waterway amid heightened tensions in the region.
During discussions with Iranian officials, he appeared to provide details on South Korean vessels to ensure their safety.
Seoul had previously resisted providing such details, maintaining that all vessels, regardless of nationality, should be allowed free passage.
However, Iran has insisted that any talks on ship transit would require Seoul to provide specific information about its vessels, as it seeks to coordinate and approve passage under its own security framework.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, 26 South Korean vessels carrying 173 crew members remain stranded in or near the strategically vital waterway.
South Korea had been cautious about engaging in bilateral negotiations with Iran solely applying to South Korean ships, prompting pundits to speculate the latest move could signal a shift from that stance.
But prospects for a near-term breakthrough in reopening the strait remain uncertain, as recent ceasefire talks between U.S. and Iran have collapsed, raising concerns that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East could be further dragged out.
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