Home > Business > Economy

Gov't vows to help Korean vessels transit Strait of Hormuz after cease-fire deal

Published: 08 Apr. 2026, 13:04

$Tankers are seen off the coast of the United Arab Emirates as Iran vows to fire on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran\ on March 3. [REUTERS/YONHAP]$

Tankers are seen off the coast of the United Arab Emirates as Iran vows to fire on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran\ on March 3. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The government vowed Wednesday to help Korean vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz safely pass through the shipping route after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week cease-fire, with the full reopening of the crucial oil passage.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources will cooperate with the foreign and oceans ministries to ensure the safe and swift passage of Korean oil tankers tied up at the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

There are currently seven oil tankers, including four flag carriers, in the region carrying shipments for Korean oil refineries, according to the government officials. The ships are carrying a combined 14 million barrels of crude, which are equivalent to Korea's five-day oil consumption.

The pledge came after United States President Donald Trump said earlier in the day that the United States has agreed to suspend strikes on Iran for two weeks, "subject to" the Middle Eastern nation agreeing to the "complete" and "immediate" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route.

The Seoul officials said the government is working to check the status of and conditions for transit through the shipping route, which has been effectively closed due to the U.S.-led war against Iran.

Yonhap