South Korea asks Iran for 'attention to safety' of nationals, vessels

South Korea has asked Iran to ensure the safety of its nationals and vessels during a meeting between its special envoy and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Tehran said it would consider the request while blaming “aggressors” for escalating regional tensions.

Reuters

April 23, 2026

South Korea asks Iran for 'attention to safety' of nationals, vessels

An image of the national flag of Korea courtesy of Daniel Bernard/Unsplash via Wix.

Daniel Bernard/Unsplash via Wix

South Korea's special envoy to Iran requested for Iran's 'attention to the safety' of South Korean nationals and vessels, during a meeting with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday (April 23).

"In (South Korean envoy Chung Byung-ha's) meeting with Foreign Minister Araqchi, Special Envoy Chung asked for Iran's continued attention to the safety of about 40 South Korean nationals currently in Iran, as well as to the safety of our 26 vessels and their crews," spokesperson of South Korean Foreign Ministry, Park Il, said at regular news briefing.

Park quoted Araqchi saying that he would "keep in mind" requests regarding the vessels and would continue to take good care of the safety of South Korean nationals.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday also said Araqchi told Chung during the meeting that responsibility for the consequences of the war lay with "aggressors," referring to the United States and Israel.

Production: Minwoo Park/Reuters