Ministry of Foreign Affairs Closely Monitors Middle East Crisis After U.S. Involvement... About 70 Korean Nationals Remain in Iran

As the United States launched its first-ever attack on Iranian territory, raising concerns of an escalation in the Iran-Israel situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is focusing on ensuring the safety of Korean nationals residing in the region. If the situation intensifies, airstrikes and missile attacks targeting civilian areas may follow, which could pose a significant threat to the safety of Korean nationals.

Jina Kim, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, is presiding over a joint headquarters-mission situation assessment meeting on the afternoon of the 22nd regarding the Iran-Israel armed conflict. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 23rd, as of the previous day, there were about 70 Korean nationals staying in Iran. By June 21, a total of 56 Korean nationals and their families (including five Iranian nationals) who had been staying in Iran had crossed the border in several groups using transportation provided by the government.

The government has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for all of Iran and recommended that people leave the country. However, some remain in Iran due to various circumstances. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "There are many multicultural families in Iran," and added, "Some people are monitoring the situation by their own choice, such as for personal livelihood reasons."

Not only in Iran but also in Israel, the safety of Korean nationals has become a top priority. It is understood that about 460 Korean nationals remain in Israel. On June 22, Jina Kim, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a joint headquarters-mission situation assessment meeting regarding the Middle East crisis and stated, "The situation could further deteriorate following the recent U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities," and urged, "Please do everything possible to ensure the safety of our nationals residing in the region."

She also specifically instructed that safety measures be put in place for embassy staff stationed in Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining emergency contact networks with local embassies and Korean associations, and is continuously monitoring the safety of Korean nationals residing in the region.