The South Korean cargo ship, HMM Namu, was struck by unidentified aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, causing significant damage and igniting a fire in the engine room. The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. South Korea's foreign ministry reported that two unidentified aircraft hit the ship at one-minute intervals, damaging the port-side ballast tank and igniting a fire. The damage spanned approximately five meters (16.5 feet) wide and extended seven meters (23 feet) into the hull. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran is responsible and has urged South Korea to participate in U.S.-led operations to protect shipping in the region. Iran has categorically denied involvement, prompting its ambassador to South Korea to address the allegations. In response to the ongoing crisis, South Korea is considering joining U.S.-led maritime security initiatives and has imposed a fuel price cap for the first time in nearly 30 years, while also securing alternative crude oil supplies to mitigate the impact of the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.