South Korea is adopting a cautious approach in determining the responsible party for the recent attack on one of its cargo vessels, as early indications suggest involvement of Iranian drones. The incident occurred on May 4, when two unidentified airborne objects hit the HMM Namu, which was anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Although Seoul possesses surveillance footage capturing the event, official statements have been minimal.
Given the situation, analysts believe that South Korea is strategically delaying its conclusion until after the upcoming US-China summit, anticipated to take place later this week. The outcome of this high-level meeting could potentially affect the ongoing conflict involving Iran, and thus, Seoul might be weighing its options accordingly.
Experts suggest that South Korea is mindful of the diplomatic implications that might arise if it openly attributes the attack to Iran. Doing so could increase pressure from Washington to participate in US-led maritime initiatives, such as the Maritime Freedom Construct, which aims to ensure the security of shipping lanes in the volatile Strait of Hormuz.
Doo Jin-ho, a senior security researcher at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, noted that assigning blame to Iran could compel South Korea to take a more active role in these maritime security efforts. This consideration appears to be a significant factor in Seoul’s current reluctance to make a definitive public accusation against Tehran.