Iran’s embassy in Seoul denied on Thursday that its armed forces were involved in an explosion that struck a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.

The blast hit the Panama-flagged HMM Namu, a cargo ship with 24 crew members, on Monday. US President Donald Trump had claimed Iran “taken some shots” at the vessel and urged South Korea to join American escort operations in the waterway.

What did Iran’s embassy say about the South Korean ship explosion?

Tehran’s embassy said it “firmly rejects and categorically denies” any allegations of Iranian armed forces involvement in the damage to the Korean vessel.

The statement did not explain what caused the explosion. Iran placed responsibility on parties that proceed through the strait without complying with its declared requirements, warning that non-compliance “may lead to unintended incidents.”

What is Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz?

Since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, Tehran has repeatedly described the Strait of Hormuz as “an integral part of its defensive geography.”

The embassy said safe passage through the strait required full compliance with applicable regulations. It added that responsibility for any consequences rested with those who transited the area without due regard for those conditions.

How did South Korea respond to Trump’s call to join Hormuz operations?

Trump urged South Korea to join US operations aimed at restoring normal shipping through the virtually closed waterway following his claim about the attack.

Seoul said after his remarks that it would “review its position” on joining the escort program, named “Project Freedom.” However, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said on Wednesday that the suspension of the program had made the review unnecessary.