Seoul: South Korea has issued a strong condemnation following an attack on a civilian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, as the government intensifies efforts to identify those responsible. "Our government maintains that attacks on privately operated vessels, including the HMM Namu, can neither be justified nor tolerated, and we strongly condemn them," stated National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac.

According to Anadolu Agency, Seoul is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident that involved the HMM Namu, a Panama-flagged cargo ship operated by the South Korean shipping firm HMM Co. The Foreign Ministry reported that the vessel was struck by two "unidentified airborne objects" on May 4, leading to an explosion and fire. The investigation results were announced by the government on Sunday.

Efforts to ascertain the perpetrators and the nature of the objects involved are ongoing, as stated by Wi. The government has committed to taking necessary measures based on the investigation's findings. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized the need for careful examination before making any judgments.

The attack has drawn criticism from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), which accused the government of minimizing the severity of the incident and refraining from labeling it as an Iranian attack. PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok criticized the government's response during a party meeting.

In response to the incident, the Iranian Embassy in Seoul denied any involvement by Tehran, asserting that the strait remains under blockage by both the US and Iran since the onset of a conflict initiated by the US and Israel on February 28. The South Korean government, however, has refrained from assigning blame prematurely.

Seoul has maintained communication with international parties, briefing Iranian Ambassador Saeed Koozechi and updating the US on the investigation's progress. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump alleged that Iran targeted the HMM Namu, although Tehran has firmly denied these claims.

Despite the attack rendering the HMM Namu inoperable, the South Korean shipping company HMM has begun preparations for repairs. "We are reviewing the best way to carry out the repairs," an HMM official disclosed to Yonhap News Agency. The incident occurred in the wake of the now-suspended US operation "Project Freedom," which aimed to free ships trapped in the waterway but was halted at Pakistan's request, according to Trump.