Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi (L) speaks to reporters as he exits the foreign ministry building in Seoul, South Korea, 27 May 2026. The ministry summoned Koozechi to lodge a protest over a 04 May attack on the HMM Namu, a South Korean-operated vessel, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry said Iranian-developed anti-ship missiles were likely used in the attack earlier this month. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
May 29 (Asia Today) -- South Korean defense experts said the government should take a tougher position toward Iran after investigators concluded that an Iranian-developed anti-ship missile was likely used in an attack on the HMM Namu.
Experts said Thursday that Seoul needs a firm diplomatic response to the results of the government investigation into the unidentified aerial objects that struck the HMM-operated vessel.
The government said Wednesday that the objects were highly likely to have been Noor-series anti-ship missiles developed by Iran. Technical analysis found the engine resembled an Iranian-made turbojet engine, and some components carried markings believed to be from an Iranian manufacturer.
South Korean officials said the evidence points toward Iran but stopped short of making a final judgment on who carried out the attack or whether it was intentional. The government summoned Saeed Koozechi, Iran's ambassador to South Korea, but Koozechi denied that Iran was involved.
