Seoul: French and Japanese vessels have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz despite its recent closure due to escalating conflict involving Iran. Tehran has permitted passage for ships from allied nations such as China and Russia, and the Philippines has announced it secured safe transit. These instances indicate that these countries have engaged in prompt, targeted negotiations with Iran, which has implemented selective maritime traffic controls rather than a full blockade.

According to Yonhap News Agency, 26 Korean vessels remain stranded in international waters near the strait, with approximately 170 crew members unable to disembark. This situation underscores the limited success achieved so far through Korea's diplomatic initiatives. Despite engaging Iran through multiple avenues, Korea has seen minimal results. On March 23, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to request safe passage guarantees. Additionally, the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee met with Iranian Ambassador to Korea, Saeed Koozechi, two days later. Yet, aside from one trainee seafarer returning home by air, there has been little visible progress.

Japan's approach offers a useful comparison. As a U.S. ally facing similar pressure, Japan activated independent communication channels with Tehran early in the crisis, facilitating quicker negotiations. Diplomatic observers note that Japan leveraged high-level contacts, including Araghchi, who previously served as ambassador to Japan. Although Japan credits corporate-level coordination for the outcome, it is unlikely private companies alone could secure such arrangements. Japan's longstanding economic and energy ties with Iran likely played a role in obtaining favorable treatment.

The selective transit now permitted through Hormuz, despite worsening U.S.-Iran relations, is significant. It suggests that diplomatic engagement can still yield results under constrained conditions. Securing safe passage for Korean vessels will depend on the government's ability to intensify negotiations and seek practical solutions. Establishing information-sharing mechanisms with countries like Japan and France, who have successfully navigated the situation, could provide valuable guidance.

Currently, disruptions to crude oil supply are exacerbating inflationary pressures. While the Korean government has moved to secure priority oil imports from the United Arab Emirates, this measure alone is unlikely to be sufficient. A broader and more coordinated response, mobilizing diplomatic, economic, and logistical resources, is essential to address both immediate challenges and longer-term risks.