South Korean President Briefed on Blast Aboard HMM-Operated Ship in Strait of Hormuz

The South Korean president was briefed Wednesday on a recent blast incident involving a freight ship operated by South Korean shipping firm HMM Co. that is stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and on the latest developments in the Middle East conflict. The briefing occurred during a Cabinet meeting.

It came two days after a blast and fire were reported aboard the vessel, named Namu, while it was anchored in waters off the United Arab Emirates. The fire began in the engine room and was extinguished by the crew. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Officials said the affected vessel will be moved to a nearby port to assess the extent of the damage.

The briefing also addressed U.S.

President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily suspend Project Freedom, an American operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The president asked whether Trump had said he would end the war. Officials replied in the affirmative and noted the suspension may relate to either evading the 60-day limit on waging war without congressional approval or pursuing an exit strategy.

The president responded that he understood. While Trump has stated that the South Korean-operated vessel was shot at by Iran after deciding to go it alone, South Korea has yet to determine the cause of the blast and subsequent fire.

South Korea's Review of U.S.

Officials said Tuesday that South Korea is reviewing U.S. proposals regarding the Strait of Hormuz while taking domestic legal procedures into account. They added that efforts to determine the cause of the ship fire would take precedence. The vessel is expected to be towed to Dubai, according to the shipping firm.