South Korea Says Missile Attack on Ship Likely Involved Iran

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that an attack on a bulk carrier operated by local shipper HMM in the Strait of Hormuz likely involved an Iranian anti-ship missile. The ministry reached the conclusion after a government investigation into the May 4 incident. The vessel, named Namu, sustained hull damage and a fire after two unidentified objects struck its lower stern.

Yoon-joo stated that debris recovered from inside the ship showed components consistent with Iranian manufacture. The analysis indicated the objects were likely turbojet engines similar to those produced in Iran, and one part carried markings associated with an Iranian manufacturer.

Park added that the warheads resembled those used in Iranian anti-ship missiles. The first warhead did not explode, while the second did.

Korea will summon the Iranian ambassador to present the investigation results and deliver a protest message. Officials will also urge Iran to take measures to prevent similar incidents. Park declined to speculate on the motive, saying Seoul lacked access to the attacker's decision-making process.

A South Korean defense official noted that firing two missiles suggested an intent to cause damage from a naval standpoint. The Iranian embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tehran has previously denied responsibility for the attack.