Tehran: South Korea's special envoy to Iran, Chung Byung-ha, has engaged in discussions with senior Tehran officials concerning the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital maritime passage has left Korean ships and seafarers stranded, prompting urgent talks to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals in Iran, diplomatic sources revealed on Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung Byung-ha, who serves as the special envoy to Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, arrived in Iran over the weekend. During his visit, he has been in dialogue with high-ranking Iranian officials. Although the specifics of Chung's meetings have not been disclosed by Seoul, it is anticipated that he will hold a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

A foreign ministry official stated, "He will deliver our position on the bilateral relations with Iran, ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals in Iran and the passage of the Strait of Hormuz, and consult with them on those matters." The urgency of these discussions comes in the wake of a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, prompting Seoul to dispatch the special envoy.

Despite this diplomatic initiative, the chances of achieving definitive progress seem limited. Previous peace talks, facilitated by Pakistan, saw Washington and Tehran unable to finalize an agreement. Adding to the complexity, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. Navy will block all vessels from entering or exiting the strategic shipping lane, further complicating the situation in the region.