Drone Less Likely Attacker of South Korean Ship in Hormuz, Foreign Minister Says

South Korea's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, has provided an update on the investigation into the attack on the HMM Namu vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a significant development: the likelihood of a drone being the culprit has diminished. This statement comes as the analysis of the wreckage, led by the Defense Ministry's Agency for Defense Development, is nearing completion.

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The possibility of it being a drone has decreased, but we need to complete the scientific investigation.

Minister Cho emphasized that while the possibility of a drone has lessened, a definitive conclusion awaits the full scientific investigation. The focus is now on meticulously examining the engine debris to identify the type of projectile and, crucially, the entity responsible for the attack. South Korea has made it clear that once the perpetrator is identified, "appropriate measures, diplomatic measures, will be taken."

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We are very meticulously examining the engine debris. It seems to be in the final stages.

This incident, which occurred on July 4, saw the HMM Namu vessel damaged by an "unidentified flying object," causing a fire. In response, South Korea dispatched experts from various maritime and military agencies to Dubai to assist in the investigation. Minister Cho confirmed that military experts stationed in the UAE also participated in the probe.

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If the weapon or the launching entity or country is identified, we plan to take appropriate measures, diplomatic measures.

Iran has consistently denied any involvement in the attack. Cho mentioned that he had directly urged his Iranian counterpart to cooperate with the investigation. However, he stressed that pinpointing the attacker before the investigation concludes would be premature. He also noted that while 15 countries have issued statements regarding the attack on their ships, none have specifically pointed to Iran or demanded compensation. South Korea is carefully weighing all factors, including the safety of its citizens and vessels in the region, before announcing its response, acknowledging that while attacks on military vessels can be grounds for war, the HMM Namu is a commercial ship, thus not triggering the same international legal framework.

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The Iranian government has consistently denied it.