South Korea's foreign ministry said on May 27 that anti-ship missiles likely developed by Iran were used in the May 4 attack on the HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz. The government pointed to evidence linking Iran but could not confirm the perpetrator or intent. Iran's ambassador denied involvement.
First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo told a press briefing that technical analysis showed the unidentified objects were likely Noor-series anti-ship missiles developed by Iran. The first warhead failed to detonate while the second exploded on impact.
The missiles are used by the Iranian navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and pro-Iran groups. The government could not confirm the launch site, exact perpetrator or intent, but said "multiple pieces of evidence point toward Iran."
The ministry summoned Iranian Ambassador Saeed Koozechi to protest and demand preventive measures. Koozechi told reporters that "Iran denies all allegations" and was "absolutely not involved."
The HMM Namu is undergoing repairs in the United Arab Emirates. One of the 24 crew members suffered minor injuries.
