In a telephone conversation, Araqchi and his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun discussed bilateral relations between Tehran and Seoul, as well as regional developments following the military aggression of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran.

The South Korean minister expressed condolences and regret over the martyrdom of several Iranian citizens, including those during the war crimes committed by the US and Israel in Iran’s Minab.

He also voiced concern about the current developments in the region and the dire consequences of the ongoing instability and warfare, along with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy, emphasizing the need for efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

For his part, Araqchi referred to the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran amid nuclear negotiations, adding that the current situation in the region and the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz are a direct result of the illegal attacks by the US and the Zionist regime against Iran.

Araqchi emphasized that Iran will firmly defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign aggression.

The Strait of Hormuz is blocked for the passage of vessels belonging to the aggressors and their supporters, while other countries' ships can navigate the strait with coordination with the Iranian side without any issues, the foreign minister added.

The senior Iranian and South Korean diplomats also exchanged views on certain consular issues.

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.