South Korea cautious about blaming Iran for ship strike ahead of US-China summit
South Korea's government is steering clear of publicly blaming Iran for the strike on a Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The stance signals Seoul's careful diplomatic posture ahead of the sensitive US-China summit.
South Korea's government is avoiding publicly blaming Iran after a Korean cargo ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend. According to the South China Morning Post, citing Seoul sources, the foreign ministry is sticking to the formula that "the investigation is ongoing".
Seoul's cautious posture coincides with US President Donald Trump's summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. South Korea is trying to preserve its economic relations with Iran while also seeking stability in oil flows and Asian supply chains.
Korean shipping companies have made temporary route changes in the Hormuz area. Insurance premiums on Asia–Middle East tankers continue to rise, and Seoul has said it has formally raised the issue of crew safety with relevant parties.
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