South Korea Advises Citizens to Leave Middle East Immediately

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its nationals visiting the Middle East for short durations to leave the region immediately due to escalating tensions stemming from renewed conflict between the United States and Iran.

This advisory followed a meeting held on Sunday with representatives from 17 diplomatic missions, including South Korea's embassies in Iran and Israel, to review safety measures for Korean citizens and vessels operating in the area.

During the meeting, Second Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Jina stated, "Given that most Middle Eastern countries are under a level three travel warning, travelers are recommended to depart unless absolutely necessary. Since March, visitors on short stays have been advised to leave immediately unless they have compelling reasons to remain."

Kim also emphasized the need for heightened caution to protect South Korean ships in the Red Sea amid recent military tensions involving the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The ministry confirmed that diplomatic missions across the Middle East will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement proactive measures to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals in the region.

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified as armed clashes between the United States and Iran persist for over a week following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement reached last month. The ceasefire had aimed to establish a lasting end to a months-long war that led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.