Iranian ambassador: Korean ships using oilfields invested in by U.S. capital may be barred from transiting Hormuz

Seyed Kozechi, Iran’s ambassador to South Korea, said Korean vessels that do business with U.S. companies or use energy facilities backed by U.S. capital could face difficulties transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Appearing on a CBS radio news show on the 26th, Ambassador Kozechi said, “We asked that the specifications of Korean ships be provided in advance,” adding that the request was “to enable those vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after coordination and review by Iran’s military and relevant authorities.” The remarks are seen as suggesting conditional passage rather than an outright ban.

However, the conditions for passage were clear. “We do not allow passage through this strait for any targets connected to the United States and Israel,” he said, adding that “these sanctions also apply to U.S. companies and their shareholders that have invested in energy firms in Gulf countries or in oilfield development.”

Asked whether oil and gas cargoes would be unable to sail even if South Korea maintains friendly relations with Iran when they use oilfield facilities invested in by U.S. companies, he replied, “Yes,” and added, “Companies doing business with U.S. firms are becoming targets of sanctions in a wartime situation.”

“Under an attack on Iran, it is not realistic that U.S. companies would continue their business freely without any restrictions,” Kozechi said. “In such a situation, you should not blame us. The responsibility lies with the United States.”

As Iran has recently told member states of the International Maritime Organization that it would allow passage, following prior coordination, only for “non-hostile vessels,” Korean ships could also face the risk of sanctions depending on their ties to the United States.

The government is maintaining a cautious stance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran has not explained specific conditions for passage and that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said at a briefing the previous day, “We need to comprehensively check various factors, such as whether Iran’s guarantees can apply to everyone,” adding, “It is a bit early to make a judgment now.”

Currently, 26 Korean vessels are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding Washington’s requests for allied support to ensure freedom of navigation, Kozechi warned, “I hope South Korea does not join the tragic situation unfolding in this region and does not become an accomplice to this failure,” adding, “You should demand that Trump resolve this crisis that he created himself.”

Shin Hyun-bo, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com