Iran rejects claims linking it to assault on South Korean vessel

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Seoul has denied any involvement in a recent attack on a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the country’s armed forces are not connected to the incident, according to an official statement.

“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly rejects and categorically denies any allegations regarding the involvement of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the incident involving damage to a Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Since the outset of the aggressive actions carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an integral part of its defensive geography in countering aggressors and their supporters,” the statement said.

The embassy emphasised that navigation conditions in the strategic waterway have changed due to the evolving security situation and that the area is currently under heightened tension caused by hostile actions and their allies.

It stressed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz requires full compliance with applicable regulations, adherence to issued warnings, following designated routes, and coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.

“It is evident that, under such circumstances, any disregard for the declared requirements and operational realities in an environment influenced by military and security tensions may lead to unintended incidents. Responsibility for such consequences rests with those parties that proceed with transit or activities in the area without due regard to these considerations,” the statement added.

Iran reiterated its commitment to ensuring maritime security in the region in line with international law.

On May 4, an explosion occurred on board the South Korean vessel HMM Namu, sailing under the Panamanian flag. No crew members were injured.

By Jeyhun Aghazada