Two South Korean-operated vessels passed through Strait of Hormuz after MOU signed

Two vessels operated by South Korea passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on a ceasefire agreement last week, Seoul’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on Monday.

The vessels are sailing normally, but have not yet fully exited a high-risk zone, the ministry said, declining to disclose further details on the vessels.

The ships do not have South Korean crew on board and are not bound for South Korea, the ministry said.
A total of 22 South Korean-operated ships remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, it said.

In a seperate development the first round of talks between high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Switzerland ended Monday, mediators said, after a tense opening marked by ​Tehran’s announcement it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz and US President Donald Trump repeating his threats to resume attacks on Iran.

A joint statement from mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan said the ‌U.S. and Iran agreed to a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days.

Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week in the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort of Buergenstock, according to the statement, which was released by the Qatari foreign ministry.