The Role of the Iran War in the Future of South Korean-Iran Relations |
The Role of the Iran War in the Future of South Korean-Iran Relations
А war against Iran could be a test of the new South Korean government’s foreign policy in terms of multilateralism, combining international alliances with a stance of self-reliance and “independence.”
Despite the presence of the South Korean president in Iran in May 2016 and 20 memorandums of understanding, since 2019, the trade, economic, and political relations between Iran and South Korea have weakened due to compliance with US sanctions against Iran.
South Korea’s approach to the US-Israeli war against Iran
A significant part of the importance of Iran in Seoul’s foreign policy is security and geopolitical motives.
South Korea’s abstention from Security Council resolutions on the reinstatement of sanctions and the extension of Resolution 2231 last September and the silencing of the bill condemning Iran in the national parliament indicate that country’s commitment to preventing tension with Iran.
In recent months, South Korea has maintained its embassy in Iran and has tried to keep a balance between US pressure, energy security, and maintaining engagement with Tehran.
South Korea’s official stances during the war against Iran are also noteworthy. In response to the war, Korean officials called for a “bold step toward peace” and emphasized the need to de-escalate the crisis and contain the consequences of the war.
South Korea has taken practical and political steps, such as allocating $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran, sending a special envoy to Tehran, and holding consultations between foreign ministers.
Since the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, the security of the Hormuz waterway has become a major concern for South Korea. A total of 26 ships belonging to Korean companies have been stranded in the waterway. Therefore, a........