Seoul: Anti-ship missiles developed and used by Iran are believed to have been used in an attack against a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, the foreign ministry said Wednesday. The ministry, however, reserved a decision on whether the attack may have been intentional.
According to Yonhap News Agency, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo announced the findings of the government's investigation into the incident, stating, "Technical analysis concluded that the unidentified airborne objects were likely Noor-series anti-ship missiles developed by Iran." The investigation was prompted after the South Korean vessel, HMM Namu, was hit by "two unidentified airborne objects" on May 4 while stranded in the crucial waterway amid the U.S.-Iran conflict.
The government investigation team conducted a thorough analysis of engine debris recovered from the objects to determine their nature and identify those responsible for the incident. The ministry now plans to summon the Iranian ambassador to South Korea to deliver a strong protest over the attack on the South Korean vessel, while demanding "responsible measures, including steps to prevent a recurrence," according to Park.
The Noor-series missiles are used by the Iranian navy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and pro-Iran groups. Despite the technical findings, the exact perpetrator and intent of the attack could not be confirmed. The attack resulted in an explosion and fire aboard the ship, leaving one of the 24 crew members with minor injuries.