First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-ju Announces Ship Attack Investigation Results

An analysis of the investigation into the South Korean vessel HMM Namuho, which was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, indicates a greater than 90% probability of an Iranian anti-ship missile attack, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-ju announced on May 27.

The government stated that the shape of an unexploded warhead recovered from the ship resembles Iran's Noor or Qader anti-ship missiles, and that characters believed to be markings from an Iranian manufacturer were found on the engine parts. Rear Admiral Ryu Yun-sang explained that while the launch origin of the unidentified flying object could not be pinpointed, the estimated distance from inland Iran to the Namuho is 90-100 km, with an estimated flight time of 6-7 minutes.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-ju summoned the Iranian Ambassador to South Korea to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 27th to explain the investigation findings. Following the meeting, Ambassador Saeed Kouchaki denied any Iranian involvement and expressed regret over the damage to the South Korean vessel.