▲ South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) holds a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in New York on Sept. 25, 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th U.N. General Assembly high-level session, in this file photo provided by Cho's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 11 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, held phone talks Friday and discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

The phone conversation comes as South Korea is weighing whether to deploy military assets to help secure the strategic waterway amid the United States' pressure on Seoul to make a military contribution. Iran has strongly opposed any foreign military involvement.

During the talks, Cho expressed deep concern over the recent situation in the Middle East and voiced hope that sustainable peace and stability would be restored in the region, according to the ministry.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Cho also underscored Seoul's continued participation in international efforts to ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

He also stressed that South Korea has consistently maintained that the free and safe passage of all vessels must be guaranteed.

Cho also asked Iran to pay close attention to the safety of South Korean nationals in the region, according to the ministry.

Araghchi explained Iran's position on the current situation in the Middle East, while the two ministers agreed to maintain communication on regional developments and bilateral issues through both bilateral and multilateral channels, the ministry said.

It marked the sixth known phone conversation between the two ministers since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in late February, with the latest call held at Araghchi's request, according to the ministry.

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