Published：Jun 10, 07:26Last updated：Jun 16, 04:08

South Korean Ships Exit Hormuz After US-Iran Deal

Jun. 10, 2026 07:26

The VLCC Universal Winner, carrying 2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude, arrived near Ulsan after being stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to Middle East tensions. It was the first of 26 South Korean vessels to leave the area following a South Korea-Iran agreement. All crew members were reported in good health.

Summarized

11News

5Media

Jun. 15, 2026 20:33

Japan is considering deploying its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for minesweeping and escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a U.S.-Iran peace agreement. The government faces domestic challenges in gaining support for the mission. The SDF has 16 minesweeping vessels, such as the Takashima, which could be utilized. The move would align Japan with international efforts to secure the strategic waterway.

Jun. 16, 2026 04:08

U.S. allies propose a naval mission to demine and escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The plan aims to ensure safe navigation after the Iran war. France and Britain have been developing the idea, which includes military escorts. President Trump expressed skepticism but acknowledged the potential benefits of the mission.

The Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis shows signs of resolution as South Korean vessels begin departing following a landmark U.S.-Iran peace agreement. The VLCC Universal Winner, carrying 2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude, became the first to reach Ulsan after being stranded for months. Diplomatic efforts have reduced the number of trapped South Korean-linked ships from 26 to 24, with 137 crew members awaiting safe passage.Yonhap News Agency+2

🚢 Stranded Ship Breakthrough

Two South Korean-operated LNG carriers successfully navigated the strategic waterway this week under foreign charter agreements. The vessels, each with eight Korean crew members, mark the first transit successes since the South Korea-Iran agreement was reached. Maritime authorities confirm all personnel are in good health despite prolonged confinement.Yonhap News Agency+2

⛽ Alternative Oil Routes

Gulf producers are increasingly using Red Sea pathways, with nine crude shipments routed through Yanbu Port since April 2026. The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries confirms monitoring these alternative supply lines while maintaining Hormuz transit negotiations. Oil flows through the strait have increased 18% since June 10 despite ongoing tensions.Bloomberg+1

🕊️ Diplomatic Developments

The U.S.-Iran deal announced by President Donald Trump includes provisions for demining operations and lifting the blockade. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled in Switzerland, with Japan considering SDF minesweeper deployments. South Korea is evaluating participation in a U.S.-led maritime security initiative to protect future shipments.Yonhap News Agency+2

🌍 International Response

France and Britain are coordinating a multinational naval mission featuring military escorts through Hormuz. While Trump expressed initial skepticism, allies emphasize the plan's role in stabilizing global energy markets. The Takashima-class minesweepers from Japan may join the operation pending domestic approval.Nikkei Asia+1

Yanbu PortDonald TrumpStrait of HormuzVLCC Universal WinnerSouth Korea-Iran agreement

topic.regionalNarratives

South Korea

Reporting emphasizes the operational status and transit progress of South Korean vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

United States

Coverage focuses on broader oil flow dynamics and regional workarounds amid geopolitical disruptions.

Japan

Discussion centers on potential military deployment for maritime security operations in the Strait.

United Kingdom

Outlets frame the event around multinational naval mission proposals to secure the waterway.

topic.topCountries (4/4)

South Korea8

United Kingdom1

Japan1

United States1

topic.topMedia (5/5)

Yonhap News Agency7

The Independent1

Nikkei Asia1

Bloomberg1

Hankyoreh1

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