South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi on Friday, covering the broader situation in the Middle East, including the question of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from Seoul’s foreign ministry.
Cho conveyed serious concern over regional developments and expressed hope that lasting peace and stability could be restored, the ministry said. He also reiterated that South Korea has consistently backed free and safe passage for all vessels and has taken part in international efforts aimed at maintaining maritime security.
For his part, Araqchi laid out Iran’s stance on the unfolding regional situation. Both ministers agreed to keep communication channels open going forward, the statement noted.
According to the foreign ministry, the call was requested by Iran. It came shortly after Seoul dispatched an inspection team to the Middle East to evaluate whether South Korea should send troops to the region.
Background: Seoul weighing military options
South Korea’s presidential office confirmed last week that the government is reviewing a range of options — including possible military measures — to help safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry warned on X that any South Korean military presence or involvement in operations across the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as backing U.S. “aggression,” cautioning that this would carry serious consequences.
South Korea’s government has stressed that no final decision has yet been made regarding a potential troop deployment.