Cargo Ship NAMU Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; Korean Investigation Suspects Iranian Anti-Ship Missile

The cargo ship NAMU, operated by South Korean shipping company HMM, exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on the 4th of this month. The South Korean Foreign Ministry stated today that the ship was likely hit by an Iranian anti-ship missile. Park Yoon-joo, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, indicated that multiple pieces of evidence point to Iran, though he noted that Seoul has not yet finalized the attribution of responsibility or determined if the attack was intentional. Analysis of debris recovered from the scene shows components that appear to be Iranian-made, with markings resembling those of Iranian manufacturers. The warhead also resembles Iran's 'Noor' or 'Qader' anti-ship missiles. South Korea plans to summon the Iranian ambassador to convey the findings and lodge a protest. US President Donald Trump stated that Iran fired on the Korean ship and called on Seoul to join a US-led escort mission.