'An important step toward resolving a crisis the international community has long awaited'

President Lee Jae Myung gestures with air quotes while responding to a media question at a press conference marking his first year in office, held at Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbingwan on June 8. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung gestures with air quotes while responding to a media question at a press conference marking his first year in office, held at Cheong Wa Dae's Yeongbingwan on June 8. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung praised Donald Trump on Sunday, saying he "highly commends" the US president's leadership in bringing about a de facto end-of-war deal between the United States and Iran after 106 days of conflict. Lee made the remarks while on an official visit to the Vatican.

"I welcome the conclusion of negotiations on the Middle East situation," Lee wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

He called the agreement "an important step toward resolving a crisis the international community has long awaited," and went on to say he also commended the diplomatic efforts of the negotiating parties and related countries.

Lee expressed hope that the deal would "swiftly restore peace and stability in the Middle East and lay the groundwork for the safety and prosperity of people in the region." He added that he hoped global energy supply would stabilize and that all vessels — including South Korean ships and crew members that had faced restrictions navigating the Strait of Hormuz — would be able to resume safe passage as soon as possible.

He noted that heightened tensions in the Middle East had driven up energy prices and logistics costs, placing a considerable burden on domestic prices, corporate operations and daily life. "It may be difficult to feel the change in the short term," he said, "but I hope the uncertainty facing our economy will gradually ease and create an opportunity for recovery."

Lee pledged that South Korea, as a responsible member of the international community, would spare no support or cooperation to ensure the agreement contributes to peace and prosperity beyond the Middle East. He also vowed to work closely with the United States and the broader international community to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz continues to be guaranteed.

The United States and Iran agreed Saturday on a memorandum of understanding to end the war. Trump announced on Truth Social that day: "The negotiations with Iran are now complete. Congratulations to everyone." He added that he was approving the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz free of tolls and at the same time approving the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade.

The formal signing will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 19. After the signing, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened, and the two sides will enter 60 days of negotiations covering Iran's nuclear development and the lifting of sanctions.


sang@heraldcorp.com