Iran likely behind cargo ship attack near Strait of Hormuz, South Korea says

14/05/2026

Iran likely behind cargo ship attack near Strait of Hormuz, South Korea says

In this photo released by Tasnim News Agency, a Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGC) speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz, April 21, 2026. (Meysam Mirzadeh/Tasnim News Agency via AP, File)

SEOUL, May 14: A senior South Korean official said it was “unlikely” that any actor other than Iran was responsible for the attack on the cargo vessel Namu near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to Yonhap News Agency. The official added that Seoul would pursue diplomatic measures once responsibility for the incident is formally confirmed.

The vessel was earlier reported to have suffered damage following an explosion and fire near the key shipping route, triggering an investigation by South Korean authorities into the cause of the incident. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors, with regional tensions raising concerns over maritime security.