S. Korea shared data on stranded ships in Strait of Hormuz with U.S., Gulf states as well: FM

▲ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun responds to lawmakers' questions during a parliamentary session at the National Assembly in western Seoul on April 15, 2026. (Yonhap)

FM-Hormuz strait

S. Korea shared data on stranded ships in Strait of Hormuz with U.S., Gulf states as well: FM

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has provided data on its ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz not only with Iran but with the United States and the Gulf nations as well, its top diplomat said Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun made the remarks after Seoul confirmed it has shared with Tehran the details regarding the 26 ships and some 170 seafarers remaining in the maritime chokepoint currently blocked amid the U.S.-Iran war.

The move has been seen as a shift from its earlier measured stance on engaging in any form of talks with Iran about the ships and crew, signaling the possibility of negotiations with Iran for their passage.

"We have not only provided Iran (with the information) but all of the (Gulf Cooperation Council) states and the United States, and we have asked them for (cooperation regarding) their safety," Cho said in a parliamentary session.

Seoul had previously declined to confirm whether it had given the information to Iran, but the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae acknowledged Tuesday that the data had been provided to relevant countries.

Cho said that the government decided to share the information in consideration of the two-week ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran.

"To be able to do something in between, we gave the information about 26 ships to neighboring countries (to ensure) their safety, and going forward, to seek their cooperation in getting them out," he said.

Regarding President Lee Jae Myung's recent social media posts about Israel, Cho said the foreign ministry had been in close communication with the country and that the issue should no longer warrant a further diplomatic spat between the two sides.

"Israel has understood, and there has been no further statement from them," Cho said. "It has been wrapped up nicely in that way."

Lee drew controversy both from Israel and at home after he made comments on his X account denouncing Israeli military actions against Palestinians, saying that the killings are no different than those from the Holocaust by the Nazis during World War II. Israel has strongly protested his remarks.

"The remarks the head of state made about these kinds of issues are linked to the identity of the Republic of Korea, which has underscored the importance of universal human rights and international humanitarian law," Cho said.

"We, as the foreign ministry, have clearly understood the intent and purpose of the social media posts."

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