Seoul: South Korea briefed the Iranian ambassador on Sunday about the findings of an investigation into the recent fire and explosion aboard a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. A seven-member investigation team concluded that two separate projectiles hit the HMM NAMU vessel on Monday, resulting in the explosion and fire.
According to Anadolu Agency, the vessel, operated by HMM Co., was carrying 24 crew members, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals, all of whom were confirmed safe. The ship was towed to a port in Dubai on Friday for inspection, while a special government team was dispatched to investigate the cause of the incident.
"The investigation confirmed that unidentified airborne objects struck the stern of the HMM vessel," the Foreign Ministry stated. It reported that two separate objects hit the vessel approximately one minute apart. The exact type or size of the objects could not be identified, with the ministry citing certain "limitations." The government plans to conduct further analysis of debris collected at the scene.
Ministry spokesman Park II stated that they would not prejudge responsibility for the incident at this time. The government intends to "thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and pursue all possible measures, including cooperation with the international community, to prevent a recurrence and ensure the safety of South Korean citizens," he added.
The Iranian Embassy in Seoul has denied any involvement in the incident. Regional tensions have been high since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a specified deadline, allowing for further diplomacy. Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.