South Korea welcomes U.S.-Iran ceasefire, eyes Hormuz risks

· UPI

April 8 (Asia Today) -- South Korea welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, saying it could pave the way for the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while warning that risks remain.

The government said the agreement, announced by Donald Trump, to suspend airstrikes on Iran for two weeks marks a potential turning point for restoring maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.

"We welcome the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which has created an opportunity to resume navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," said Park Il, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

He also praised mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan and expressed hope that negotiations will lead to a broader restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.

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Park said Seoul is working with relevant countries to ensure the safe and swift passage of vessels, including South Korean ships, through the strait.

Analysts said the ceasefire could usher in a period of fragile stability, noting that it was announced ahead of a U.S. deadline for reopening the strait.

Still, uncertainty remains over whether the agreement will lead to a lasting resolution. South Korea is closely watching how Washington and Tehran address navigation rights and security in the waterway.

The stakes are high for South Korea, which relies on the strait for about 70% of its crude oil imports.

Seong Il-gwang, a professor at Sogang University, said Iran has signaled it may continue to impose transit fees even during a ceasefire.

"If the United States agreed to or tolerated that, it could become a serious issue," he said, adding that future negotiations should be closely monitored.

Seong said South Korea should pursue a "two-track" strategy that combines coordination with the international community and continued dialogue with Iran.

The government said it will develop its approach by weighing vessel safety, shipping industry concerns, regional security conditions and diplomatic coordination, while remaining cautious about direct bilateral negotiations with Iran.

A recent virtual meeting of foreign ministers from about 40 countries, led by the United Kingdom, discussed coordinated responses to transit fees and potential sanctions cooperation, signaling broader international alignment.

Some analysts said an end to the conflict itself could ultimately resolve the issue, noting that Iran has used the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations with the United States.

Park Won Gon of Ewha Womans University said that if the United States disengages, the issue could shift from a U.S.-Iran dispute to one involving multiple countries, including South Korea.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260408010002536