Tehran Denies Responsibility for Korean Ship Incident, Asserts: Hormuz Security Requires Iranian Regulations

In May 2026, the Iranian Embassy in Seoul officially denied any involvement in the explosion of a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials emphasized that safe transit through the 2026 waterway is contingent upon strict adherence to Iranian maritime laws. This denial follows accusations from President Donald Trump, who held Tehran responsible for the fire on the Panama-flagged "HMM" ship. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated that definitive 2026 investigations into the cause of the fire will begin once the vessel is towed to port.