Iran releases South Korean ship

The Hankuk Chemi tanker was released following an investigation into alleged water pollution, but the real reason for its detention may have been frozen Iranian funds in South Korea.
Korean ship seized by Iran
A picture obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim on Jan. 4, 2021, shows a South Korean-flagged tanker being escorted by Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy after being seized in the Gulf. - TASNIM NEWS/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff

Iran released a South Korean ship Friday from detention. The ship’s seizure was related to frozen Iranian funds in the Asian country. 

Iranian naval forces detained the chemical tanker Hamkuk Chemi in January for allegedly causing water pollution. On Friday, a prosecutor ordered the ship and its crew released following an investigation, the state’s Press TV reported. 

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