(2nd LD) FM Cho urges safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz in phone talks with Iranian counterpart

▲ This composite photo shows South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Yonhap)

▲ This Reuters file photo shows cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah near the border with Oman's Musandam Governorate in the United Arab Emirates on March 11, 2026, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) FM Cho-Iran

(2nd LD) FM Cho urges safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz in phone talks with Iranian counterpart

(ATTN: ADDS details from gov't meeting on overseas Koreans in last 5 paras)

SEOUL, March 23 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Monday asked his Iranian counterpart to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and to take steps to ease tensions and stabilize global energy supplies amid an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the foreign ministry said.

Cho made the call in his phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran late last month have escalated into a broader regional crisis.

Cho expressed deep concern over the recent Middle East situation, which has affected global security and economic stability, and called on Iran to halt attacks on civilians and civilian facilities in Gulf countries, according to the ministry.

Cho also asked for necessary safety measures as multiple South Korean and other foreign-flagged vessels are currently anchored in the strait, while requesting Iran's special attention and support to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens in the Middle East country.

Araghchi explained Iran's position on the current regional situation, and the two sides agreed to maintain ongoing communication on related issues, the ministry added.

Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly halted, disrupting global supply and leading to surging global oil prices.

South Korea depends on imports for about 98 percent of its fossil fuels and sources roughly 70 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, according to industry and government data.

Meanwhile, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina on Monday instructed overseas missions and relevant government agencies to closely monitor energy-related facilities in the Middle East and advise South Koreans in nearby areas to evacuate.

The instruction came as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would "obliterate" Iran's power plants unless Tehran lifts its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, with the deadline set to expire late Monday (U.S. time).

Iran has said it would target regional power plants and deploy naval mines in the Persian Gulf if the U.S. follows through on its threat, according to foreign media reports.

"We should use all available channels to frequently issue safety notices and continue to strongly recommend that the people there leave or evacuate the region," Kim said while presiding over a government task force meeting on the protection of overseas Koreans.

The South Korean Embassy in Iraq said about 20 nationals, including staff stationed in the country, are expected to evacuate to neighboring countries on Monday and Tuesday, adding it will support their departure in coordination with the Iraqi government and border checkpoints.

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