The Korea Times
Korea is showing signs of backing away from its stance against direct bilateral talks with Iran, as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz intensify with U.S. President Donald Trump stepping up pressure on allies to take a more active role. Officials now indicate that Seoul's position — that it would not pursue negotiations with Tehran solely on behalf of Korean vessels stranded in the strait — may be shifting as the conflict evolves. “A decision could be made depending on developments on the ground and the needs of shipping companies,” a government official said. Currently, 26 Korean-flagged vessels remain unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with hundreds of crew members on board. The vessels are incurring combined daily losses of about 2.1 billion won ($1.43 million), according to the Korea Shipowners’ Association. Trump has sharply raised pressure on U.S. allies, singling out Korea in unusually direct terms. “Let the European countries do it. Let South Korea, who was not helpful to us, by the way. … Let South Korea do it,” Trump said during an annual Easter luncheo
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