The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) activated a task force for the protection of overseas nationals on the afternoon of Saturday, February 28, in response to the current situation in the Middle East. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina chaired a joint meeting between headquarters and diplomatic missions—the Embassies in Iran and Israel, as well as missions in neighboring countries*—to assess the situation and review safety measures for overseas nationals.

*Lebanon, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkmenistan

Vice Minister Kim stated, "As tensions in the Middle East are rapidly escalating following today’s strikes against Iran by Israel and the United States, as well as Iran’s retaliatory attacks, the safety measures for Korean nationals, which have been prepared through close coordination between headquarters and the relevant diplomatic missions, should be thoroughly implemented in line with the President’s directive to prioritize the safety of Korean nationals on the ground." Vice Minister Kim particularly emphasized that, since the current situation will inevitably have a broad impact on multiple countries in the region, not only the Embassies in Iran and Israel but also neighboring missions should communicate closely and respond in a coordinated manner.

The Embassies in Iran and Israel reported that they had disseminated safety notices to local Korean nationals immediately after the airstrikes and are verifying their safety through emergency contact networks. Other missions in the Middle East also noted that they are closely monitoring the rapidly changing local situation and are making every effort to ensure the safety of Korean nationals.

※ As of Saturday, February 28, no casualties or damages involving Korean nationals in Iran or Israel have been reported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of Korean nationals, including preparing evacuation plans as needed.