The South Korean Presidential Palace on May 11 announced that it would respond after determining the origin of the attack targeting a cargo ship operated by a South Korean business in the Strait of Hormuz in early May.
South Korean National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac said Seoul condemned the incident "in the strongest words". He confirmed that South Korean experts had conducted an examination of the ship at Dubai port and discovered signs of damage in the left stern.
According to South Korean officials, damage had not been detected before because it was located low behind the hull. The attack caused a fire in the ship's engine room.
The ship named Namu is operated by HMM Co. The South Korean Presidential Palace affirmed that the ship did not violate any regulations being applied in the waters off the United Arab Emirates at the time of the incident and this is an undeniable act of attack against a commercial ship.
South Korean officials said it is not yet possible to determine whether Iran is involved or not. Previously, Tehran denied any responsibility in the incident even though the ship was strongly impacted on the side of the hull.
The Iranian Embassy in South Korea on May 11 issued a statement saying it had no official position on the incident and would announce it if there were new updates.
After the incident, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of firing at South Korean ships and called on Seoul to participate in US-led efforts to protect maritime operations through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions on this strategic shipping route have increased recently after military clashes involving the US and Iran. Some attacks targeting commercial ships have also raised many countries' vigilance towards maritime activities in the region.
