Iran tells S.Korea not to politicise seized vessel, demands release of funds

FILE PHOTO: A South Korean-flagged tanker which was seized by Iran. is seen in the Gulf, Iran January 4, 2021. IRGC / WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said on Sunday that South Korea should avoid politicising the seizure of its vessel by Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf, Iranian state media reported, while pressing Seoul to release $7 billion in funds frozen amid U.S. sanctions.

South Korea's vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, arrived in Tehran on Sunday to discuss the release of the South Korean-flagged MT Hankuk Chemi, which was seized by the Guards on Monday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.