Iran-linked missiles behind attack on S. Korean vessel in Hormuz: foreign ministry

South Korea’s foreign ministry announced Wednesday that anti-ship missiles likely developed by Iran were used in an attack on the South Korean vessel HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4. Technical analysis identified the missiles as part of Iran’s Noor-series, commonly used by the Iranian navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and pro-Iran groups. The attack involved two missiles: one failed to detonate, while the other exploded on impact, causing a fire and minor injuries to one of the 24 crew members. The government’s investigation, conducted over weeks, concluded that multiple pieces of evidence point toward Iran, though the exact launch site or responsible party remains unconfirmed. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo stated that determining intent is difficult without acknowledgment from the responsible party. South Korea plans to summon Iran’s ambassador to protest the attack and demand measures to prevent future incidents. The HMM Namu, operated by HMM Co., was stranded in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping route—when the attack occurred. The vessel is currently undergoing repairs in the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Iran had targeted the ship and other vessels, but Iran’s embassy in Seoul denied any military involvement. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Iran has restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, stranding 26 vessels, though a South Korean oil tanker managed to pass through last week, marking the first successful transit by a Korean-managed vessel since the conflict escalated.