South Korea believes Iran likely carried out last week’s attack on a South Korean-operated vessel. A senior Foreign Ministry official said Thursday that a non-Iranian actor remains highly unlikely. The May 4 strike hit the Panama-flagged HMM Namu near the Strait of Hormuz. The official cautioned that Seoul has not formally attributed responsibility yet. Ongoing forensic investigations will determine the final conclusion.
Preliminary findings indicate two unidentified airborne objects struck the vessel. The attack severely damaged the ship’s engine section and punctured the stern. No pirates operated nearby, the official added. South Korea launched a joint probe after the incident. The Defense Ministry dispatched a 10-member technical assessment team to Dubai earlier this week. The team will examine debris recovered from the scene.
Debris from the propulsion system has moved to the South Korean Embassy in the UAE. Officials will transport the debris to Seoul aboard a civilian aircraft. The Defense Ministry’s specialized investigative agencies will then conduct a thorough analysis. Seoul has coordinated closely with Washington throughout the investigation. Both sides have obtained and jointly analyzed information from the US side. This marks the 33rd reported attack on a civilian vessel in or near the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began. Another attack targeted a Chinese vessel shortly afterward. A separate attack on a Thai vessel resulted in casualties.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said attacks on civilian vessels can never be justified. The government plans additional investigations and necessary diplomatic measures. The senior official expects an appropriate response from Tehran if further evidence points to Iranian involvement. However the official acknowledged that Iran would not simply apologize voluntarily. Presenting solid evidence will likely prompt a response. Once investigators fully identify the responsible actor, Seoul will pursue a proportionate diplomatic response.
