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Iran, S Korea ties still sour in post-Trump era

Monday, 01 February 2021 11:03 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 01 February 2021 11:03 PM ]

Hooman Abedi
Press TV, Tehran

The Islamic Republic of Iran and South Korea are experiencing a very rare chapter of relationships. Since 2.5 years ago Tehran and Seoul are at loggerheads over the decisions of a man who is not in power anymore, Donald Trump.

Tehran is angry about the blocking of some seven billion dollars of its cash assets by Seoul since 2019 when Donald Trump ended the US sanctions waivers for the South to buy Iran’s oil.

The Islamic Republic filed a lawsuit against the South at The Hague, but up to now negotiations with the Koreans to release Iran’s frozen assets has come to nothing.

It was in early January that Iran’s naval forces held a South Korean oil tanker due to its violation of environmental protocols. This deteriorated the bilateral ties more.

I attended the weekly presser of the foreign ministry to ask if the capturing of the vessel has anything to do with Tehran’s frozen assets and the answer was Not At All.

During the past few weeks Koreans expressed worries about the fate of the ship and its crew, but the Iranian top diplomat made assurances that all of them are safe and sound.

Korea was one of the main purchasers of Iran’s oil after the nuclear agreement. It also turned into the largest buyer of Iran’s oil derivatives and gas at the same time. However, after souring the ties, they lost access to Iran’s oil and also the country’s large market for their products.

Earlier, the South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister visited Iran and held talks with the country’s top officials. His visit raised hopes that after the end of Trump’s era Tehran and Seoul could mend ties again.

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