Korea's special envoy to Iran to discuss blockade, safety of Korean nationals

Korea's special envoy to Iran has met senior officials in Tehran to discuss the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, where Korean ships and seafarers remain stranded, and efforts to ensure the safety of Koreans in the Islamic Republic, among other issues, diplomatic sources said Monday.

Chung Byung-ha, special envoy sent by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, arrived in Iran over the weekend and has been meeting with senior Iranian officials, according to the sources.

While Seoul has declined to reveal the details of Chung's meetings, it is likely that the meetings would include one with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

"(He) will deliver our position on the bilateral relations with Iran, ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in Iran and the passage of the Strait of Hormuz, and consult with them on those matters," a foreign ministry official said.

Seoul announced the dispatch of the special envoy after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. However, the likelihood of Chung's trip yielding any concrete progress appears slim as Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement during peace talks brokered by Pakistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday the U.S. Navy will block all ships from entering or leaving the crucial shipping lane.

Yonhap