South Korea says Iranian missile likely used in attack on ship in Strait of Hormuz

SEOUL: South Korea has said an Iranian-made anti-ship missile was likely involved in an attack on a cargo vessel operated by local shipping company HMM in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, Reuters reported.

The assessment was shared by South Korea’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday after a government investigation into the May 4 attack on the bulk carrier Namu. The incident caused a fire on board and damaged the lower stern section of the vessel.

Iran has denied any involvement. According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Iran’s ambassador to Seoul, Saeed Koozechi, rejected the allegation and said Tehran had “took no part” in the attack. The Iranian embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

Missile debris examined

South Korean officials said investigators examined debris from unidentified objects found inside the vessel after the attack. According to the ministry, the evidence suggested the ship was struck twice. The first warhead reportedly failed to explode, while the second detonated.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said several pieces of evidence pointed towards Iran, although Seoul had not reached a final conclusion on who was responsible or whether the attack had been deliberate.

The ministry said components recovered from the debris appeared to have been manufactured in Iran. Park said the engines resembled turbojet engines produced by Iran, while one component carried markings that seemed to match those used by an Iranian manufacturer.

He added that the warheads were similar to those fitted on Iranian anti-ship missiles, including the Noor and Qader systems.

Seoul summons Iranian envoy

Following the investigation, South Korea summoned Iran’s ambassador to brief him on the findings and lodge a formal protest, the Foreign Ministry said.

The attack has added to concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The waterway is a key passage for global oil and cargo traffic, and any escalation in the area can have wider implications for international trade and energy markets.

Soon after the incident, US President Donald Trump said Iran had fired at the South Korean vessel and called on Seoul to join US-led efforts to protect shipping in the strait.

Tehran has repeatedly denied responsibility for the attack. South Korea, while pointing to evidence suggesting Iranian-linked weapons, said it had not yet made a definitive determination on the perpetrator.