SEOUL, May 27 (Reuters) – South Korea's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that an attack on a cargo ship operated by the local company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month likely involved an Iranian anti...
SEOUL, May 27 (Reuters) – South Korea's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that an attack on a cargo ship operated by the local company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month likely involved an Iranian anti-ship missile.
The Iranian embassy in Seoul did not respond immediately to a request for comments.
This assessment came during a briefing to discuss the findings from a government investigation into the May 4 attack on a bulk carrier, which resulted in a fire and damaged the lower stern area of the ship.
“Various pieces of evidence indicate Iran’s involvement,” said First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo. He noted that while Seoul has not definitively established who was responsible or whether the attack was deliberately aimed at the vessel, the investigation pointed to possible links to Iran.
The investigation examined debris from unidentified objects found on the ship after the attack. The analysis revealed that the ship, named Namu, experienced two strikes: the first missile did not detonate, while the second one did.
The components from the debris suggested that they were likely produced in Iran, according to the ministry.
“Their engines resembled turbojet engines produced in Iran,” Park noted, adding that one part bore markings associated with an Iranian manufacturer.
He mentioned that the warheads were similar to those used in Iranian anti-ship missiles, specifically the Noor or Qader types.
South Korea plans to summon the Iranian ambassador to share the investigation results and express a formal protest. Park stated that Seoul will also urge Iran to take responsibility to prevent such incidents from happening again.
When asked about the motive behind targeting a South Korean ship, Park refrained from speculation, stating that it is difficult to determine intent without understanding the mindset of the attacker.
However, a South Korean defense official remarked that the launch of two missiles indicated a desire to cause harm.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented shortly after the incident that Iran had fired at the South Korean vessel and encouraged Seoul to participate in U.S.-led efforts to ensure safe shipping through the Strait.
Tehran has previously denied any involvement in the attack.