The government of South Korea said on Wednesday that an attack on a cargo vessel operated by HMM in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month likely involved an Iranian anti-ship missile.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry disclosed the findings during a briefing on the outcome of its investigation into the May 4 attack on the bulk carrier, identified as Namu. The strike caused a fire and damaged the ship’s lower stern hull.
According to First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, investigators examined debris recovered from unidentified objects found inside the vessel after the incident.
“Various pieces of evidence point toward Iran,” Park said, while adding that authorities had not conclusively determined who carried out the attack or whether it was intentional.
The investigation reportedly found that the ship was struck twice. Officials said the first warhead failed to explode, while the second detonated and caused damage.
South Korean authorities stated that components recovered from the debris resembled parts used in Iranian-made missiles. Park said the engines appeared similar to turbojet engines manufactured in Iran, while one component reportedly carried markings associated with an Iranian producer.
The ministry added that the warheads resembled those used in Iran’s Noor or Qader anti-ship missile systems.
Seoul announced plans to summon the Iranian ambassador to formally share the investigation’s findings and deliver a protest message. South Korea also intends to demand measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Park declined to speculate on why a South Korean vessel may have been targeted, saying the government could not determine the attackers’ intentions without direct access to their decision-making process.
However, a South Korean defence official noted that firing two missiles suggested a deliberate attempt to inflict damage.
United States President Donald Trump had earlier accused Iran of attacking the vessel shortly after the incident and urged Seoul to join US-led efforts to protect shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has repeatedly denied responsibility for the attack.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where ongoing conflict and military activity have raised concerns over the safety of global oil shipping lanes and maritime trade.
