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World
Seoul dispatches a technical team to Dubai to investigate last week's attack on a South Korean-operated vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea has dismissed the possibility of any party other than Iran being behind the attack on a cargo ship operated by a South Korean company near the Strait of Hormuz, a Seoul official told Yonhap News Agency on Thursday. The official confirmed that diplomatic steps will be taken once the responsible party is identified.
Earlier this week, the South Korean Defense Ministry sent a technical analysis team to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to investigate the incident that occurred last week, the ministry stated on Thursday.
A government investigation has revealed that two unidentified aerial objects struck the "HMM Namu" last week, triggering an explosion and fire. Analysis of recovered engine debris is ongoing, with the material expected to be transported to Seoul soon.
On Wednesday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said it was premature to pinpoint responsibility for the attack in the Strait of Hormuz, noting the potential involvement of multiple entities within Iran or militias.
US President Donald Trump has previously claimed that Iran attacked the "HMM" vessel and other targets. However, the Iranian embassy in Seoul has stated that Tehran "categorically and decisively" denies any involvement by its military in the incident. Iran has issued no further statements following Seoul's latest announcement.
South Korea has announced it will consider making phased contributions to the US-led initiative to secure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Minister Ahn Gyo-baek said on Wednesday that he informed his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, that Seoul will participate as a responsible member of the international community and will review ways to contribute in stages. He listed "declaring support, sending personnel, exchanging information, and providing military assets" as possible means of participation.
