07/05/2026
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07/05/2026
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The sun rises behind tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (AP)
SEOUL, May 7: Iran’s embassy in Seoul on Thursday denied any involvement by Iranian armed forces in an incident that damaged a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the embassy said it “firmly rejects and categorically denies any allegations” linking Iran to the damage suffered by the ship.
The denial came after a Panama-flagged vessel operated by South Korea’s HMM reportedly suffered an explosion and caught fire on Monday while in the strategically sensitive waterway.
The Iranian embassy also warned that vessels operating in the area must take into account the heightened security conditions.
“Disregard for the declared requirements and operational realities in an environment influenced by military and security tensions may lead to unintended incidents,” the statement said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, with a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passing through the narrow channel. Any incident involving commercial shipping in the area can quickly raise concerns over regional security and energy supply risks.
South Korean authorities and the vessel’s operator have not yet publicly detailed the full cause of the explosion and fire. The incident remains under review.
