The damaged hull of Korean-operated, Panama-flagged cargo vessel HMM Namu, which was hit by unidentified airborne objects while near the Strait of Hormuz, May 4 / Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A senior Korean government official said Thursday that Iran is almost certainly behind the attack on the Korean-operated cargo ship HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, while stressing that an investigation is still underway and vowing a "diplomatic offensive" against those responsible once confirmed.
“Although the investigation is not yet conclusive, based on common sense, it is unlikely any actor other than Iran was responsible for the attack,” the official said, noting there were no pirates operating in the area at the time.
The official said the government intends to launch diplomatic retaliation against those responsible once the investigation is complete.
“If (the Korean government) provides (sound) evidence to Iran, I expect Iran would show us certain reactions. In order to do that, we need a thorough investigation,” the official said. The Korean government is sharing intelligence with the United States to jointly examine the incident.
The attack on the HMM Namu was the 33rd such incident in the waterway, the official noted, adding that previous cases and responses are also being taken into consideration.
However, the government stopped short of drawing final conclusions before the full investigation ends.
"We lack intelligence confirming the use of missiles or drones, so it’s too early to be certain," the official said. "There are no domestic militias in Iran. However, multiple actors could be involved, ranging from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian Navy to terrorist groups, as the UAE suggested."
It is the first time a senior government official has identified Iran as likely being behind the HMM vessel attack. There were 24 crew members on board, including six Koreans. One was reported to be injured due to the attack. The government has remained cautious against pointing fingers at any specific country or entity over the incident, amid diplomatic sensitivities.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Wednesday hinted at the possibility that Iran is involved in the attack by narrowing down the list of likely suspects behind the attack to Iran-linked entities, while leaving open the possibility that militia groups may have been involved. On Sunday, Cheong Wa Dae only said there was an “external attack” on the vessel.
Source: Korea Times News
