Seoul: A senior South Korean government official stated Thursday that the likelihood of a non-Iranian actor being responsible for last week's attack on a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is low, while emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. The focus remains on gathering evidence to support this assessment regarding the attack on the Panama-flagged cargo vessel operated by South Korean shipping firm HMM Co. on May 4. According to Yonhap News Agency, the official highlighted that while there remains a possibility of involvement by actors other than Iran, it is considered unlikely based on common sense, as no pirates were detected in the vicinity. However, this assessment hinges on the final investigation results potentially identifying an Iranian actor as responsible for the attack. The South Korean government has been investigating the incident, which involved strikes by two unidentified flying objects that damaged the engine room and created a 7-meter-deep puncture on the ship's stern. The defense ministry dispatched a 10-member technical analysis team to Dubai on Wednesday to conduct a scientific investigation and ascertain the cause of the incident. The official indicated that Seoul anticipates "an appropriate response" from Iran if further investigations substantiate such an assessment. Furthermore, once the responsible actor is fully identified, South Korea plans to launch a suitable diplomatic offensive. The incident represents the 33rd case of an attack on a civilian vessel since the U.S.-Iran war, prompting the government to review response measures implemented by other countries in similar situations. Earlier, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans for an additional investigation into the incident and the pursuit of necessary diplomatic response measures. Foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il stated that the government intends to avoid mentioning any specific country while the perpetrator remains unidentified. Park assured that necessary countermeasures will be taken on ce the investigation confirms the facts, and mentioned ongoing consultations with the United Arab Emirates to expedite the transfer of engine debris for detailed analysis in South Korea.