Iran Foreign Ministry Denies 'Release Within 2 Weeks' Rumors of Korean Vessel

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied Iranian media reports that the detained Korean vessel could be released within two weeks.

Saed Hatibzadeh, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at an online press conference on the 16th (local time) that the expectation that the Korean vessel detained by the Revolutionary Guard on the 4th would be released soon is an unfounded rumor.

In response to a reporter's question about the rumor that "there is a possibility that the Korean vessel will be released soon," Hatibzadeh said, "The decisions and positions of the judiciary are announced only through the judiciary spokesperson," adding, "Irresponsible remarks unrelated to this matter are baseless."

He continued, "The Korean vessel in question was detained under the judiciary's order due to causing environmental pollution in the Persian Gulf area, and procedures for trial are underway," adding, "Therefore, any change in the circumstances of this case falls under the jurisdiction of the judiciary."