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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shakes hands with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza during the latter’s visit to Tehran on Jan. 21. (AFP)

Iran has expressed concerns with South Korea’s decision to “deploy troops independently” to the Strait of Hormuz, a South Korean official said.

An official from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on Jan. 21 that “Iran was notified of our decision via diplomatic channels last weekend” and that “Iran has expressed its objection to foreign military or foreign vessels entering the region [the Strait of Hormuz] and has expressed some initial concerns.” The official added that “South Korea and Iran both agree on the shared goal of maintaining a good relationship going forward. We will actively promote bilateral relations between our two countries.”

When asked whether the deployment would negatively impact the relationship between South Korea and Iran, the official responded, “Just as Iran has its own perspective on the matter, we must also consider what is best for our country. The decision was based on the judgment that we must first and foremost safeguard our people and vessels.”

The Cheonghae Unit's Strait of Hormuz deployment

“We’re currently reviewing a lot of information to seek ways to manage the relationship between South Korea and Iran. Communication is proceeding smoothly via diplomatic channels,” the official emphasized.

The government’s decision to deploy troops appears to have the potential to endanger South Korean nationals in the Middle East region and destabilize South Korea’s economic relationship with Iran. There are currently some 1,600 South Korean nationals living in Iraq and 290 in Iran. South Korean trade with Iran mainly involves the import of crude oil and export of automobile parts and synthetic resins. However, due to the US’ tightening economic sanctions against Iran since last May, crude oil imports from Iran have been completely halted and Iran’s won-denominated account has been frozen.

In hopes of resuming trade in humanitarian goods such as medicine and unfreezing the won-based account, the government is expected to stay attentive to Iran’s requests while deliberating with the US. A group of government representatives who visited the US early last month to rekindle talks on humanitarian trade was also planning on visiting Iran to hold talks about resuming trade. That trip, however, was abruptly postponed due to rising tensions in the Middle East.

By Kim So-youn, staff reporter

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