First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-ju briefs the results of the investigation into the HMM Namuho attack. [Seoul=Yonhap News]The government has effectively designated Iran as the entity that attacked the Korean vessel HMM Namuho in the Strait of Hormuz.

The rationale behind this conclusion is that the aircraft that attacked the Namuho was highly likely to be an Iranian anti-ship missile, and there is no other entity in the Strait of Hormuz capable of such military action besides Iran.

At a press conference on the 27th, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-ju announced the investigation results, stating, "Based on technical analysis, we have concluded that it is highly probable that the (object that struck the Namuho) was an anti-ship missile from the 'Nur' series developed in Iran."

Vice Minister Park explained that the conclusion was based on an analysis of the missile engine, warhead, explosives, and fuselage found on the Namuho.

According to the investigation, the Namuho was hit by two projectiles. The first warhead did not detonate, while the second warhead exploded. Explosive materials were also confirmed in the first projectile, believed to be a dud.

The shape of the projectile's warhead was similar to Iran's Nur anti-ship missile or its upgraded version, 'Qader'. Markings from an Iranian manufacturer were found on the parts.

The engine was similar to an Iranian turbojet engine. Analysis by the Agency for Defense Development confirmed characteristic features of Iran's 'Tulu 4' engine.

The fuselage debris was painted sky blue, the same color as the Iranian Nur series anti-ship missiles.

Regarding the circuit board debris, it is estimated to have been produced 20-30 years ago. Considering the production year, it was deemed more likely to be the older Nur missile rather than the newer Qader.

While Vice Minister Park did not explicitly name Iran as the attacker, he stated, "Various evidence points towards Iran." He added, "We will summon the Iranian Ambassador to Seoul, explain the investigation results, demand responsible measures including preventing recurrence, and request an apology."

At the time of the attack on the 4th, the Namuho was anchored in waters near the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the Strait of Hormuz, with its stern facing Iran. The missile struck the stern of the ship, facing it from Iran.

Government announces investigation results of the projectile that struck the HMM Namuho. [Yonhap News]

The launch origin could not be determined during the investigation. The Ministry of National Defense estimated that the missile traveled for approximately 6-7 minutes, considering that the Namuho was 90-100 km away from mainland Iran at the time of the attack.

Furthermore, the missile flew at its initially intended altitude in the terminal phase without any separate maneuvers, and the fact that two missiles were launched indicated a clear intent to inflict damage through an attack.

However, Vice Minister Park stated that it is "very difficult to confirm" Iran's intent and added, "We believe it is extremely difficult to ascertain the intent itself unless they admit it."

He also drew a line, saying, "It is difficult to judge whether Iran had a reason to intentionally target and attack a Korean vessel, and it is difficult to speak based on speculation."

He also noted that it is not easy to definitively identify the specific entity within Iran, such as the Revolutionary Guard, the regular army, or paramilitary forces.

In response, Deputy Director for International Affairs of the Ministry of National Defense, Ryu Woon-sang (Rear Admiral), who was present at the briefing, stated that while missiles from the Nur series have been exported to various military branches within Iran, pro-Iranian forces, and even countries like Syria, "we fundamentally believe that the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Navy."