Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Monday urged his Iranian counterpart to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and called for measures to ease tensions and stabilize global energy supplies amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to the foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho reached out to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone conversation, emphasizing the need for Iran to take actions that could prevent further escalation following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran late last month, which have intensified the regional crisis.

Cho expressed grave concerns about the impact of the Middle East conflict on global security and economic stability. He specifically urged Iran to cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries. The call for action included a request for Iran to implement necessary safety measures to protect multiple South Korean and other foreign-flagged vessels currently anchored in the strait, as well as to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens residing in the Middle East.

During the conversation, Araghchi provided Iran's perspective on the regional situation. Both ministers agreed to maintain ongoing communication on these critical issues, the foreign ministry reported.

The crisis has led to a near standstill of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, significantly disrupting global supply chains and causing a spike in global oil prices. South Korea, which relies on imports for approximately 98 percent of its fossil fuels, sources about 70 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, highlighting the strategic importance of the region to its energy security.