South Korea has indicated that an Iranian-made anti-ship missile was likely involved in an attack on a cargo vessel operated by the local shipping company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. This conclusion emerged after a government investigation into the incident on May 4, which targeted the bulk carrier Namu.
The attack caused a fire onboard and inflicted damage to the vessel’s lower stern section. Iran has denied any involvement in the event. Iran’s ambassador to Seoul, Saeed Koozechi, rejected the allegations, stating that Tehran had no part in the attack. The Iranian embassy in Seoul has not responded to further inquiries.
Investigators examined debris recovered from unidentified objects found inside the ship following the attack. The evidence suggested the vessel was struck twice: the first warhead failed to detonate, while the second exploded. Components retrieved from the debris appeared to be manufactured in Iran. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo noted that the engines resembled Iranian-produced turbojet engines, and one piece bore markings consistent with an Iranian manufacturer.
Park further explained that the warheads were similar to those used on Iranian anti-ship missiles, including the Noor and Qader systems. Despite these findings, Seoul has not reached a definitive conclusion regarding the responsible party or whether the attack was intentional.
In response to the investigation, South Korea summoned Iran’s ambassador to present the findings and issue a formal protest. The incident has heightened concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and cargo shipments. Any escalation in this area could have significant repercussions for international trade and energy markets.
Shortly after the attack, then-US President Donald Trump accused Iran of firing on the South Korean vessel and urged Seoul to participate in US-led efforts to safeguard shipping in the strait. Tehran has consistently denied responsibility for the attack. While South Korea points to evidence suggesting the use of Iranian-linked weaponry, it has yet to make a final determination on the attacker.
