‘Sensitive’ reaction to the movement of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Ambassador to Korea, Said Badamchi Shavestari, who was imprisoned in connection with the detention of oil tankers, is entering the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 5th. yunhap news
It was found that the Iranian government expressed displeasure with the movement of the Qinghae unit into the Strait of Hormuz. It was a response to the capture of a Korean ship, but it showed a sensitive reaction when even Korean warships appeared in the Strait of Hormuz, where military tension between the US and Iran was intensifying.
A source from the relevant authorities said on the 6th, “In a discussion between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian ambassador to Korea, the Iranian side mentioned the movement of the Cheonghae unit.”
The day before, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Ambassador Saeed Badamchi Shavestari to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, expressed regret that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) captured the Korean chemical carrier, the Korean Chemie, and announced the immediate release. Demanded. Accordingly, Ambassador Shavestari is said to have re-explained the Iranian position that “measures were taken in accordance with the possibility of marine contamination of Korean ships.” In this process, the source explained that the background of the movement of the Cheonghae unit was questioned and displeasured.
The Cheonghae unit, which was active in the waters near Oman, moved to the Strait of Hormuz on the 4th when the Korean Chemi was captured and arrived on the 5th. As diplomatic negotiations are prioritized, it is unlikely that the Cheonghae unit will begin a specific operation right away. It was interpreted as a move to show the government’s will to protect the lives of the captured people while preparing for an emergency.
However, it is reported that there was no concern within the government that “there is no need to stimulate Iran more than necessary” during the decision to dispatch the Cheonghae unit. The Strait of Hormuz, where one-third of the world’s crude oil traffic flows, has been dominated by Iran.
Meanwhile, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong-gun plans to depart for Iran on the 10th and meet with senior officials from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the case of the vessel arrest. It cannot be ruled out the possibility that the issue of the Cheonghae unit will be discussed here.
Seungim Jeong reporter [email protected]
Youngbin Jo reporter [email protected]
Subscribe to the Hankook Ilbo News Naver Channel
Balance to see the world, the Hankook Ilbo Copyright © Hankookilbo