The South Korean product tanker Hankuk Chemi looks set for a long stay in Iran as the two countries have yet to make progress in negotiating its release — despite recent high-level diplomatic talks.
Tehran is sticking to its claim that the 17,400-dwt chemical tanker (built 2020) was seized on a "technical issue" involving environmental pollution and is, therefore, subject to its legal and judicial regulations, despite South Korea first vice minister of foreign affairs Choi Jong Kun’s pursuit of a diplomatic solution.
