South Korea attributes HMM Namu strike to Iranian missile

South Korean officials stated on Wednesday that a cargo ship attacked in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month was likely struck by an Iranian-made anti-ship missile. The announcement followed a government investigation into the May 4 incident involving the bulk carrier HMM Namu.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoonjoo presented the findings, stating that multiple pieces of evidence point toward Iran. He emphasized, however, that Seoul has not conclusively determined which specific Iranian actor was responsible or whether the attack was intentional. The investigation analyzed debris from two unidentified airborne objects that struck the vessel. Officials said the first warhead failed to detonate, while the second exploded on impact, causing a fire and damaging the ship's lower stern hull.

Technical analysis indicated the components were likely manufactured in Iran. Park noted the engines were similar to Iranian turbojet engines, with one part bearing markings from an Iranian manufacturer. The warheads also resembled those used in Iranian Noor or Qader-series anti-ship missiles, which are known to be used by the Iranian navy and other affiliated groups.