Our government and Iranian media are making conflicting claims about the cause of the incident involving the Korean ship "HMM Namu," which suffered an explosion and fire while anchored in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state broadcaster reported that it "targeted the Korean ship," but our government said "it is not certain the vessel was struck, and it will take time to determine the cause." If the cause is found to be a deliberate attack rather than a simple accident, Cheong Wa Dae would have no choice but to consider countermeasures.
Kang Yu-jung, Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson, said at a briefing on the 7th, "A considerable amount of time is needed to analyze the cause of the (HMM Namu) fire," adding, "In that respect, there is nothing specific we can say yet." She also said, "We will be able to talk about countermeasures after conducting our own investigation and identifying the cause," adding, "It is not a matter that can be easily assumed."
Earlier, Iran's state-run Press TV reported on the 6th (local time) that it had "targeted the Korean ship that violated maritime regulations." It added, "Targeting the Korean ship that violated the newly established maritime regulations of Iran is a clear signal that Iran will exercise its sovereign rights through kinetic action."
Before the Iranian TV report, Wi Sung-lac, Cheong Wa Dae Office of National Security director, said at a briefing on the 6th, "After further reviewing the information, it seemed uncertain that the ship had been struck," adding, "There was no flooding or listing of the vessel."
The Iranian Embassy in Korea also took a position directly opposite the Iranian TV report. The embassy said on the 6th, "Regarding the explosion and fire incident involving a Korean ship in the Strait of Hormuz, we categorically deny and fully refute any claim that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran were involved."
It has not yet been confirmed whether the cause of the HMM Namu fire and explosion was a simple accident or an Iranian attack. The government has dispatched an investigation team to the site to determine the cause of the HMM Namu incident.
If the Iranian TV report that it "targeted the Korean ship" turns out to be true, it could escalate into a serious diplomatic issue. Even if the cause is an unintentional strike, such as a floating mine, our government may need to demand an "expression of regret" from the Iranian government. In such a case, in preparing a response, our government would inevitably have to consider the position of the United States.
A senior Cheong Wa Dae official also said, "For now, I don't think there is a need to speak on the premise that the ship was struck," but added, "If it was not struck, it becomes a very simple fire incident, and if not, many things would be different."