A South Korean cargo vessel, which President Trump stated was targeted by an Iranian attack on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, was awaiting towing assistance to Dubai on Tuesday after sustaining damage from the incident, as reported by South Korea’s state-run Yonhap news agency.
The ship’s operator, HMM, a logistics firm based in Seoul, confirmed that a fire aboard the NAMU had disabled the vessel’s main power system, rendering it immobile.
According to Yonhap, six South Korean crew members were preparing to return home, while an additional 24 crew members of various nationalities would remain on the ship, where a backup generator was functioning to provide lighting. HMM assured that there was an adequate supply of food and water on board.
An HMM spokesperson was quoted by Yonhap stating, “The crew is free to leave if they choose to do so, but the fire suppression efforts have been successful, and there are no remaining risk factors, so it has been decided that they will remain on the vessel.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the South Korean government announced it would “review its position” regarding participation in U.S. military operations aimed at ensuring safety for maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, following President Trump’s explicit request for South Korea to join these efforts in light of the attack on the NAMU.
After Iran conducted its first attack on a Persian Gulf neighbor in nearly a month, coinciding with the U.S. beginning operations to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the Saudi government called for “de-escalation, restraint,” and diplomatic solutions.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the “current military escalation in the region,” urging for “de-escalation, restraint, and support for Pakistani mediation efforts to achieve a political resolution that prevents further tension and instability, which would not serve the interests of the region or the world.”
Furthermore, the Saudi government emphasized the importance of restoring normal international maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that all vessels should be guaranteed safe and secure passage without restrictions.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator in discussions with the U.S., warned on Tuesday that Iran has “not even started” its posturing in the Strait of Hormuz standoff. In a social media statement, he remarked, “We are fully aware that the continuation of the current situation is unsustainable for America; meanwhile, we have yet to begin.”
Ghalibaf, who also serves as the speaker of Iran’s parliament, claimed that the actions of the U.S. and its allies have jeopardized shipping security, but he asserted that their “malign presence will diminish.”
On Tuesday, South Korea reiterated its plans to “review its position” regarding joining U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz, following President Trump’s appeal for Seoul to participate in what he termed “Project Freedom” after the Iranian attack on one of its vessels.
The incident on Monday involved an explosion and subsequent fire aboard a South Korean cargo ship in the crucial waterway, which has faced significant disruptions since the conflict in the Middle East began on February 28.
According to South Korea’s foreign ministry, all 24 crew members of the affected HMM Namu, including six South Korean nationals, were reported safe and the fire had been completely extinguished.
President Trump indicated that this incident should encourage South Korea to collaborate with American efforts to assist stranded vessels navigating through the strait, a vital route for fuel exports essential to South Korea.
On Tuesday, South Korea’s defense ministry stated that it would “carefully review our position” but did not commit to any changes. The ministry noted that its considerations would be based on international law, the safety of maritime routes, its alliance with the U.S., and the security dynamics on the Korean peninsula.
It also highlighted that South Korea has been “actively participating in international discussions” regarding cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The HMM Namu measures nearly 590 feet in length and operates under the flag of Panama, according to data from the tracking service MarineTraffic.
In related developments, Denmark’s freight company Maersk announced on Tuesday that one of its ships successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. military escort. The U.S.-flagged Alliance Fairfax had been stranded in the Gulf since the outbreak of conflict in February and was provided the opportunity to depart under military protection, as stated by Maersk.
The company reported, “The vessel subsequently exited the Persian Gulf accompanied by U.S. military assets on May 4, completing the transit without incident, and all crew members are safe and unharmed.”
Additionally, two U.S. Navy destroyers navigated the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf after encountering Iranian threats, according to defense officials who spoke to CBS News on the condition of anonymity regarding national security matters.
The USS Truxtun and USS Mason, supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft, faced a series of coordinated threats during their passage, including assaults from small boats, missiles, and drones, which were described by officials as a sustained barrage. Despite the severity of the attacks, neither U.S. vessel sustained damage.
Military officials confirmed that defensive measures, enhanced by air support, effectively intercepted or deterred all incoming threats, with none of the projectiles reaching the ships.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented on Monday that discussions with the U.S. are making progress, while criticizing the U.S. military’s Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated, “Events in Hormuz clearly demonstrate that there is no military solution to a political crisis,” adding, “As negotiations progress with Pakistan’s assistance, the U.S. should be cautious of being drawn back into a quagmire by adversaries. The same caution should apply to the UAE.” He further asserted, “Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.”
