Iran: Iran's embassy in Seoul on Thursday denied any involvement by Tehran's armed forces in an incident that damaged a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The embassy stated that it "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."
According to Anadolu Agency, the embassy emphasized that Iran has consistently highlighted, since the onset of "aggressive actions carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran," that the Strait of Hormuz is "an integral part of its defensive geography in countering aggressors and their supporters." The statement further explained that the navigation conditions in this crucial waterway have been impacted by the evolving security situation, attributing this to increased tensions instigated by "hostile forces and their allies."
The embassy underscored the importance of ensuring safe passage through the strait, which requires "full compliance with applicable regulations" and coordination with Iranian authorities. Iran also reiterated its "commitment to ensuring the safety and security of maritime navigation in the region, in accordance with international laws and regulations."
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported on Tuesday that a fire caused by an explosion aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz had been extinguished without injuries. The incident took place late Monday while the vessel was anchored off the UAE coast. All 24 crew members aboard, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals, were confirmed safe.
South Korea's Foreign Ministry reported that the fire broke out at around 8.40 pm local time Monday (1140GMT). The regional tensions have heightened since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to retaliatory attacks by Tehran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire was established on April 8, facilitated by Pakistani mediation, but discussions in Islamabad did not yield a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a specified deadline. Since April 13, the US has imposed a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.