S. Korea to Take Part in 40-Nation Hormuz Security Meeting

(MENAFN) South Korea will send a senior defense official to an emergency multinational ministerial meeting on Strait of Hormuz security Tuesday, days after a South Korean-operated cargo vessel was struck in the strategically vital waterway, local media reported, citing government sources.

Army Maj. Gen. Woo Kyung-suk, director general for policy planning at the Defense Ministry, will represent Seoul at the virtual conference, co-chaired by Britain and France, a South Korean news agency reported.

More than 40 nations are expected to attend what officials are describing as the first high-level multinational forum dedicated to coordinating maritime security operations in the strait — a corridor critical to the flow of global energy and fertilizer supplies.

The summit arrives against a backdrop of deepening international alarm as the ongoing US-Iran conflict continues to destabilize commercial shipping lanes through the passage.

South Korean authorities recently concluded that an explosion and fire that crippled the cargo vessel HMM Namu on May 4 were triggered by two unidentified airborne objects. Seoul swiftly condemned the attack and committed to a full investigation to identify those responsible.

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac sharpened the government's tone Monday, stating that attacks on civilian ships "cannot be justified or tolerated," and warning that authorities would implement necessary countermeasures once further analysis is finalized.

US President Donald Trump previously alleged that Iran had "taken some shots" at the HMM Namu and additional targets. The Iranian Embassy in Seoul, however, firmly pushed back, insisting that Tehran "firmly and categorically" denies any involvement by its military in the incident.

The vessel was carrying 24 crew members at the time of the attack — among them six South Korean nationals — with no casualties reported.

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