South Korean officials issued their harshest condemnation Monday regarding an assault on a Korean-operated commercial vessel in Middle Eastern waters earlier this month, promising retaliation once they determine the perpetrator.
The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz when the cargo ship Namu, run by shipping company HMM Co., came under attack while operating legally in waters near the United Arab Emirates, according to government representatives.
Initial forensic examination revealed damage to the vessel’s lower left rear section, which sparked a blaze in the engine compartment, a Blue House spokesperson reported.
“We condemn this in the strongest terms,” declared Wi Sung-lac, South Korea’s presidential national security adviser, during a press conference. Wi explained that Korean officials and specialists confirmed the vessel damage during their forensic review at a Dubai port facility.
The assault’s impact wasn’t immediately apparent because of where it struck the ship’s lower rear port area, Blue House representatives noted.
Officials stated they remain uncertain about Iran’s potential involvement in the incident. Tehran has previously rejected any culpability for the assault, which involved a powerful blow to the vessel’s side.
The Iranian embassy in Seoul released a statement Monday indicating they had no current stance on the situation but would provide updates if an official position develops.
Following the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of attacking the Korean ship and called on Seoul to participate in American-led maritime security operations in the strategic waterway.
