South Korea says Iranian missiles struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea says the flying objects that attacked the cargo ship HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month were most likely anti-ship missiles developed by Iran.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry released photos of cracks on the cargo ship and missile debris recovered from it. Photo: Yonhap .

The South Korean Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday (May 27) that anti-ship missiles developed and used by Iran were deployed in the attack on a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. However, the ministry did not provide information on which Iranian forces carried out the attack.

Speaking at a press conference announcing the results of a weeks-long investigation, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo said experts had analyzed engine fragments, warheads, explosives, and hull components recovered from the ship.

"Technical analysis concludes that the unidentified flying objects are most likely Noor-series anti-ship missiles developed by Iran," Park said.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry released photos of cracks on the cargo ship and missile debris recovered from it. Photo: Yonhap.

According to the investigation, the first warhead did not explode, while the second warhead exploded upon impact. These missiles were used by the Iranian navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and pro-Iranian groups.

Seoul has not been able to pinpoint the exact launch location, the forces behind it, or whether the attack was deliberate. However, Park emphasized that "there is ample evidence to suggest it was Iran."

"Regarding the issue of intent, it is difficult to draw a definitive conclusion, as this is a subjective factor and cannot be determined unless acknowledged by the party responsible," he added.

Following the incident, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iran's ambassador to Seoul, Saeed Koozechi, to protest and demand that Tehran take responsible measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Upon arriving at the South Korean Foreign Ministry headquarters, the Iranian diplomat declined to answer reporters' questions about whether Tehran had acknowledged or apologized for the attack.

Earlier, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said the HMM Namu, operated by South Korean shipping giant HMM Co., was attacked by "two unidentified flying objects" on May 4 while stranded in the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway disrupted amid the US-Iran conflict. The attack caused an explosion and fire on board, injuring one of the 24 crew members.

Immediately after the attack, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran had "fired several shots" at the HMM and other targets; however, the Iranian embassy in Seoul stressed that Tehran "firmly and unequivocally" denied any involvement of its military in the incident.

The HMM Namu is currently undergoing repairs in the United Arab Emirates.

Source: https://znews.vn/han-quoc-noi-ten-lua-iran-danh-trung-tau-hang-o-eo-bien-hormuz-post1654811.html