Foreign Media Report on Safe Passage Use
Speculation on Iran-U.S. Allies Dialogue
South Korean Government Maintains Prudence
‘Following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a major energy transport route, yet ships from Western countries like France and Japan have reportedly passed through the strait.’
‘This development exemplifies how Western countries are negotiating with Iran to ensure the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially strengthening the position of Iranian hardliners.’
‘Summarizing foreign media reports, on the 3rd (local time), the French-owned container ship “CMA CGM Kribi” became the first vessel linked to Western Europe to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, two ships associated with the Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have recently transited the strait.’
‘In response, the French Foreign Ministry declined to comment to Bloomberg. The Japanese government also denied involvement in negotiations for the passage of ships, according to a report by the Asahi Shimbun citing a Japanese government official.’
‘Although the Japanese and French governments either denied or did not mention direct negotiations with Iran, the fact that Iran allowed passage itself suggests some form of agreement was at play. Particularly, it is known that these ships followed a “safe route” set by Iran through its territorial waters, lending more weight to this observation.’
‘From Iran’s perspective, blocking the Strait of Hormuz presents an economic threat to President Donald Trump of the United States, confirming Iran’s capability to negotiate with U.S. allies.’
‘Analysts suggest that the Iranian regime is adopting a more hardline stance. The gap between the United States and Iran in ceasefire negotiations is widening, and the hope for a diplomatic breakthrough is diminishing.’
‘The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that after the U.S. and Israel removed a senior Iranian leader, the remaining Iranian regime has gained new courage to tackle economic blows, further enlarging the gap between the U.S. and Iran in ceasefire talks.’
‘Meanwhile, on the 5th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a cautious stance regarding reports of Japanese and other ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.’
‘The ministry stated, “The nationalities of the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, ownership, operators, nature of the cargo, destination, and crew nationalities are diverse, resulting in different conditions per ship and country. The government prioritizes the safety of ships and crew, considering shipping companies’ perspectives.”‘
[Reporting by Choi Seung-jin in Washington / Kim Seul-gi and Kim Seong-hoon in Seoul]