Korea is closely communicating with relevant countries and the international community to help ensure the free passage of all vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign ministry said Monday. The statement came after Iranian academic Mohammad Marandi warned that Tehran could regard Seoul as an enemy and target Korean assets in the region if Seoul joins a U.S.-led effort to secure navigation through the strait, according to the London-based Middle East news website Middle East Eye. "We are closely communicating with the international community, including relevant countries, to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East as soon as possible and to ensure the free passage of all vessels, including those of our country, through the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry said in a release. Diplomatic sources said the Korean government has maintained open diplomatic channels with Iran and continued communication on matters related to the ongoing Middle East conflict, with the aim of promoting regional stability. U.S. President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Seoul to make a mi