National Security Office Chief Wi Sung-lac said Monday that it is too early to identify the perpetrator behind the attack on the Namoo, an HMM-operated vessel struck in the Strait of Hormuz, declining to point to Iran or any internal faction.
"We cannot say it was Iran, and it does not seem to be the right timing to even examine who within Iran might be responsible," Wi said in a broadcast interview. He added, however, that "we are keeping the probability open and preparing for every possibility."
Wi drew attention by referencing the past investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan corvette. "Even at the time of the Cheonan (attack), there were suspects that could be presumed based on the circumstances, but we conducted an investigation and identified the attacker accordingly," he said. "We will respond swiftly in a similar manner." He emphasized that "there are no other considerations whatsoever," reiterating that an accurate fact-finding investigation must come first given the significant diplomatic ramifications of identifying an attacker.
Regarding a Foreign Ministry official's remark that "an appropriate diplomatic offensive should be launched if the attacker is confirmed," Wi said, "The intent is to take measures commensurate with the attack to hold the perpetrator accountable, prevent recurrence, and participate in building a system that ensures stable navigation through the strait." He added that "various methods are being reviewed and studied."
On international cooperation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, Wi said Korea would "make the contributions and participate to the extent necessary." He cautioned against over-interpretation regarding the possibility that the destroyer Wang Geon, which has departed for the Gulf of Aden, could be deployed in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "We are not at that stage yet."
On discussions over the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), Wi said, "There will be full-fledged discussions on the timing of the transfer around the second half of this year," adding that "there is no significant gap in timing between the two countries." Regarding the controversy over US restrictions on sharing intelligence on North Korea, he said, "Many consultations are taking place behind the scenes, and there has been some progress."
