South Korea Reviews Safety Measures for Citizens in Iran and Israel Amid Conflict

South Korea's foreign ministry held a meeting on Thursday to review safety measures for its citizens in Iran and Israel amid the ongoing military conflict between the two countries. The meeting was convened in response to recent military strikes and escalating tensions in the region that could put South Korean nationals at risk.

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun presided over the meeting, which was attended by South Korea's ambassadors to Israel and Iran via video links. Kang asked the diplomatic missions to maintain emergency communications with the ministry and mobilize efforts to protect the safety of South Koreans in the region.

The ministry also said it was working to assess foreign media reports of explosions near the Iranian city of Isfahan, which were reportedly caused by an Israeli strike. While Iranian officials did not directly acknowledge the possibility of an Israeli attack, regional tensions have been high since Iran's unprecedented drone and missile assault on Israel last weekend.

Why this matters: The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel threatens to destabilize the Middle East region and potentially impact the safety of foreign citizens, including South Koreans, residing or traveling in the affected countries. South Korea's proactive efforts to review and implement safety measures for its citizens underscore the global ramifications of the ongoing tensions.

The incident sparked concerns about the conflict escalating across the Middle East, with the British military warning ships in the region about the potential for increased drone activity in the skies. The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, called for "extreme restraint" and reiterated that nuclear facilities should never be a target in military conflicts.

The G7 foreign ministers, meeting in Capri, Italy, urged all parties to work to prevent further escalation. They also warned Iran against transferring ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia, and called on Hamas to release hostages and for Israel to respect international and humanitarian law.

In light of the volatile situation, the Australian government urged its citizens in Israel to depart if it's safe to do so, warning of potential airspace closures, flight cancellations, and other <a href="https://www.fd

Key Takeaways

• South Korea reviewed safety measures for citizens in Iran, Israel amid conflict.
• Israel reportedly struck Iranian city of Isfahan, escalating tensions in the region.
• UN nuclear watchdog called for "extreme restraint" and protection of nuclear facilities.
• G7 urged all parties to prevent further escalation, warned Iran on missile transfers.
• Australia advised citizens in Israel to depart due to potential airspace closures.