Seoul: Two additional South Korean vessels have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded for months due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as confirmed by the oceans ministry on Saturday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the two vessels operated by South Korean shipping companies had been on standby within the strait and have now resumed normal sailing after passing through it. These vessels were part of a group of 26 South Korea-related ships that were stranded when Iran blocked shipping routes in response to tensions with the United States and Israel, which began in late February.

Initially, two vessels had managed to clear the strait with Iranian assistance during the height of the conflict. Gradually, the remaining vessels have been departing the area after the U.S. and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement earlier this month. Following the recent departures, three South Korea-related vessels remain stranded in the region, including the HMM Namu, which suffered damage from missile attacks linked to Iran and is currently undergoing repairs in a Dubai port.

The two vessels that recently cleared the strait had a total of four South Korean crew members on board, although neither vessel is destined for South Korea. Despite these developments, 43 South Korean crew members are still stranded, spread across both South Korean vessels and foreign-flagged ships, as reported by the ministry.

The oceans ministry has been actively involved in real-time monitoring and has collaborated with the foreign ministry to provide diplomatic and navigation support, ensuring the safe passage of ships through the strait.