SEOUL, May 14 (Reuters) – The likelihood that an entity other than Iran was responsible for an attack on a South Korean cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz is low, Yonhap news agency quoted a senior official in Seoul as saying on Thursday.
South Korea is analyzing intelligence shared by the United States about the May 4 attack on South Korean shipper HMM’s Namu ship, which caused a fire and damaged the lower part of the ship, Yonhap news agency said, citing a senior foreign ministry official.
“Once we complete the investigation and provide evidence, I believe Iran will respond in an appropriate manner,” the official said.
Seoul has sent a team of experts to Dubai, where the Namu is being inspected ahead of planned repairs, to conduct a forensic investigation into the damage to the ship.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the above comments were made on the premise that “Iran was found to be responsible for the attack through investigation” and that once the investigation is concluded, South Korea will take appropriate measures.
Iran has previously denied responsibility for the attack, which struck the side of the ship, and has made no further comment as Seoul continues to investigate.
U.S. President Donald Trump said shortly after the incident that Iran opened fire on the South Korean ship and urged Seoul to join U.S.-led efforts to ensure safe shipping through the strait.
(Reporting by Jack King; Editing by Ed Davis)
