Iran and South Korea sign prisoner-transfer agreement as Tehran voices concern over US alignment

The foreign ministers of Iran and South Korea met on the sidelines of events in New York, where the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on the transfer of convicted prisoners between them, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency.

The agreement is aimed at establishing a framework for transferring individuals convicted of crimes in one country back to their home country to serve out sentences, a mechanism used by many states to manage foreign nationals in their prison systems.

The report's framing pointed to broader Iranian concern regarding South Korea's alignment with United States positions in the region, though the specific substance of any such remarks made during the meeting was not detailed in the available reporting.

Iran and South Korea have maintained diplomatic and economic ties over the years, though relations have at times been strained by South Korea's alliance with the United States and by international sanctions affecting Iran's economy.

Further details on the implementation timeline for the prisoner-transfer memorandum, or on any additional topics discussed by the two ministers, were not immediately available.