The South Korean foreign minister's special envoy, Jeong Byung-ho, met with Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi in Tehran on the 22nd. This marked the arrival of the first foreign visitors following the reopening of Iran’s main airports.
As a special envoy, Jeong Byung-ho flew specially to Tehran. Although both sides’ diplomatic statements merely mentioned deepening bilateral relations and welcoming a temporary ceasefire—standard diplomatic language—Jeong’s presence represented Korea’s swift move across diplomacy, business, industry, energy, and economic sectors. Behind this lies the underlying reality: the threat posed by potential oil and gas supply disruptions to South Korea.
During their meeting, Araghchi strongly condemned U.S.-Israeli actions, urged global condemnation, and emphasized that aggression is the root cause of insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
On the surface, this sounded like standard diplomatic rhetoric—but it was clearly directed at Jeong Byung-ho. The implicit message was: if South Korea aligns with Iran’s moral stance, matters can be resolved flexibly.
Korea is asking Iran to kindly allow passage for 26 stranded South Korean oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, requesting special clearance—preferably even a priority lane if possible. This is likely one of the key objectives of the envoy’s visit.
Iranian media reported that South Korea is preparing incentive measures and other proposals.
This partly explains why Lee Jae-myung recently unexpectedly reposted a tweet showing Israeli troops torturing children in Gaza, pushing them off rooftops.
At the time, Lee made a strong statement: “Such conduct is no different from the forced comfort women system we question, the Holocaust against Jews, or wartime massacres.”
Lee personally confronting Israel directly is extremely rare in diplomatic terms.
But when the president steps in to defend national interests, it is entirely reasonable and justified.
Lee Jae-myung’s “legendary repost” was likely intended to win Iran’s goodwill—a shortcut paving the way for the foreign minister’s visit. There’s no such thing as an accidental post.
South Korea’s diplomacy is flexible and pragmatic.
It seems old Lee has already seen through Trump’s true nature—seeking only favors without reciprocation—and is doing what must be done for Korea.
The $350 billion massive investment plan toward the U.S. may remain nothing more than news headlines and a boast on Trump’s social media account.
From Iran’s side, they also hope to use South Korea as a model for negotiating safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Regardless of the form of agreement, all countries except those with special ties to Iran will need to make some kind of gesture.
The Iranians have struck the first gold mine from Korea.
Choosing such a wealthy partner to set standards shows real shrewdness on the part of the Persians.
War isn’t over yet. Yesterday, seeing Iran reopen its airports, one might wonder if they’re rushing things.
But now it appears: war continues, negotiations proceed, and all interested investors are welcome to come pay their respects.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863249726972996/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.