Iran threatens legal action against South Korean ships, urges Seoul to stay out of US conflict

TEHRAN/SEOUL, Oct 27: Iran has threatened legal action against vessels belonging to South Korean shipping company Sinokor from Nov 1 over alleged violations of its transit rules, while Tehran’s ambassador to Seoul has urged South Korea to avoid steps that could deepen its involvement in the US-Iran conflict.

Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority said Tuesday that Sinokor vessels had committed more alleged passage violations than those of any other shipping company over the past three months. It added that enforcement measures had already been taken against at least seven Sinokor vessels.

The authority warned cargo owners, beneficiaries and insurers that legal action would follow from Nov 1, raising concerns for shipping operators and businesses involved in maritime trade through the region.

Iran announced the establishment of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority in May. Since then, the body has identified vessels it alleges violated Iranian transit regulations and threatened penalties, including fines and detention. The United States has sanctioned the authority and warned shipping companies that complying with its requirements could expose them to sanctions risks.

Separately, Iran’s ambassador to South Korea, Ahmad Erfanian, urged Seoul not to take measures that could increase its involvement in the conflict between Washington and Tehran, South Korea’s KBS reported Tuesday.

“Iran’s firm position is clear: We do not want war, nor do we want the conflict to spread to other countries,” Erfanian said in an interview with KBS.

He also called on South Korea to “refrain from any actions that might further heighten tensions or complicate the situation.”

Seoul is weighing options to protect shipping and energy routes near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes.

The two developments come as maritime security in the Gulf remains a major concern, with Iran asserting its transit requirements and the United States warning shipping companies of potential sanctions exposure.