South Korea says non-Iranian role in ship attack unlikely as probe continues

A senior South Korean government official stated on May 14 that the likelihood of a non-Iranian actor being responsible for last week’s attack on a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz appears low, while emphasising that the investigation is still ongoing.

The official said authorities are prioritising evidence collection to support assessments regarding the incident involving the Panama-flagged cargo ship operated by South Korean shipping company HMM Co., which was struck on May 4, Caliber.Az reports, citing Korean media.

“There may still be a possibility of another actor besides Iran, but common sense suggests it is not high. There were no pirates nearby,” the foreign ministry official said.

However, the official stressed that any conclusion depends on final investigative findings identifying an Iranian actor as responsible for the strike.

Seoul has been investigating the incident, which is believed to have involved a strike by two unidentified flying objects. The attack reportedly destroyed the ship’s engine room and caused a 7-metre-deep hole in its stern.

According to the Defence Ministry, a 10-member technical team was sent to Dubai on Wednesday to conduct a scientific examination and determine the cause of the incident.

The official added that Seoul expects an “appropriate response” from Iran if further evidence supports such conclusions, warning that once responsibility is fully confirmed, South Korea will pursue a proportional diplomatic response.

The incident is said to be the 33rd attack on a civilian vessel since the U.S.–Iran conflict began, with authorities also reviewing how other countries have responded to similar cases.

Earlier on Thursday, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said an additional investigation will be carried out and that diplomatic measures will be considered as necessary. He reiterated that attacks on civilian vessels, including the HMM Namu, “can never be justified or tolerated under any circumstances.”

Foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il said officials are avoiding naming any specific country until responsibility is formally established.

“We will take necessary countermeasures once the facts are confirmed through the investigation,” he said at a regular briefing.

He also noted that South Korea is working with the United Arab Emirates to ensure debris from the unidentified airborne objects that struck the vessel is transported from Dubai for detailed analysis.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov