A South Korean investigation has confirmed that two unidentified flying objects struck the HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz last Monday, causing an explosion and fire. The findings have prompted Seoul to review participation in a U.S.-led security initiative.
The foreign ministry announced Sunday that a seven-member team completed an on-site probe after the Panama-flagged vessel was towed to Dubai on Friday. Two objects hit the stern roughly one minute apart at 3:30 p.m. local time, damaging the hull to the interior and igniting a fire that the crew extinguished after four hours. No injuries occurred among the 24 crew members, including six South Koreans.
The ministry said the objects were unlikely to be mines or torpedoes, though their exact type and origin remain unidentified due to technical limitations. Further analysis of recovered debris is planned, and the government will not prejudge responsibility. Iran has denied involvement.
Seoul is now reviewing possible non-combat contributions to the U.S.-proposed Maritime Freedom Construct. Any deployment of the Cheonghae Unit would require National Assembly approval. A working-level National Security Council meeting was held Sunday to discuss the findings.
