S. Korea in consultation with Iran, others to secure ship passage through Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is in close talks with countries, including Iran, to ensure a swift normalization of the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran said it is ready to allow Japan-bound vessels to pass through the sea route virtually closed in the wake of the Middle East crisis, a foreign ministry official said Saturday. "The government is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East while exploring ways to protect our citizens and secure energy transport routes," the official said. "We are communicating a