Iran's Foreign Minister Warns South Korea Against Aligning With US Actions in Persian Gulf

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations between Tehran and Seoul and discussed ways to strengthen ties and cooperation. They also addressed developments in West Asia and the Korean Peninsula.

During the meeting, Araghchi referred to what he described as insecurity imposed on the Strait of Hormuz by the aggressive actions of the United States and the Zionist regime. He stressed the importance of a responsible and realistic approach by all countries and avoiding any action that could be perceived as aligning with what he called the US's illegal and aggressive moves in the region. The Iranian foreign minister's remarks appeared to be a warning to South Korea against siding with the United States in regional tensions.

The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of convicts between Iran and South Korea. This agreement is expected to facilitate the repatriation of prisoners to serve their sentences in their home countries. The signing took place during the same meeting at the UN General Assembly.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf and broader West Asia, where Iran has frequently accused the United States and Israel of destabilizing activities. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any insecurity there affects international markets. Iran has previously warned regional and global powers against aligning with US policies that it considers aggressive.

According to Mehr News, the meeting between Araghchi and Cho Hyun was part of a series of diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where Iran is seeking to advance its foreign policy objectives and counter US pressure.