Seoul, May 28 -- Iran strongly rejected South Korea's conclusion that Iranian-developed missiles were likely used in an attack on a South Korean commercial vessel (HMM Namu) in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

Speaking to reporters at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on Wednesday after being summoned for consultations, the Iranian Ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Koozechi, denied any Iranian role in the incident.

"Iran denies all allegations regarding this matter," he said through an interpreter. "We were absolutely not involved (in the attack)."

He also expressed sympathy for the damaged vessel, but firm...