U.S.-Iran deal raises hope for 24 Korean vessels stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz

The agreement between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expected to pave the way for more than 20 Korean-linked vessels that have remained stranded inside the strategic waterway to finally depart, though uncertainty remains over when all of them will be able to return safely.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. and Iran had agreed on a framework for a deal to end the conflict, lift the U.S. blockade on Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

A total of 24 Korean-linked vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf after an oil tanker and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier exited the Gulf last week.

Currently, 137 Korean sailors are still in the region, including 103 aboard South Korean vessels and 34 serving on foreign ships, after Iran first blocked passage through the strategic waterway following U.S.-Israeli attacks in late February.

The vessels include ships registered under the Korean flag as well as those expected to obtain Korean registration after charter agreements or other arrangements expire, making them subject to government monitoring.

They also include Korean shipper HMM's cargo ship Namu, which was towed to Dubai for repairs after being attacked on May 4.

With a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal scheduled to be officially signed in Switzerland on Friday, it remains unclear what terms Washington and Tehran have agreed upon to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the strait.

Naval mines possibly laid by Iran in the strait could also pose an obstacle, while additional cooperation from Tehran may be required to establish and navigate safe shipping lanes that can skirt dangerous parts of the passageway.

There are also concerns that congestion and delays could arise from roughly 2,000 vessels attempting to pass through the narrow waterway at around the same time, prompting the Korean government to closely monitor developments in the Gulf.

Instability within Iran remains another source of concern. Although the Iranian government has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, armed groups such as militias could still independently engage in threatening actions.

Yonhap