Seoul, July 20: In light of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, South Korea has urged its citizens to leave Middle Eastern countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued directives for heightened vigilance regarding the safety of Korean vessels operating in the Red Sea.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Jina stated that a Level-3 travel advisory has been in effect since March, recommending citizens to exit the region unless absolutely necessary.
On Sunday, the South Korean Foreign Ministry held a meeting with officials from 17 diplomatic missions, including those in Iran and Israel, to review the safety arrangements for South Korean citizens and ships in the area. Following this meeting, the warning was issued, as reported by the Yonhap News Agency based in Seoul.
Kim emphasized, “Since March, a Level-3 travel advisory has been in place for most Middle Eastern countries, advising travelers to return unless their presence is essential. Therefore, short-term travelers should not remain there without a valid reason and should leave as soon as possible.”
She also instructed additional precautions for the safety of South Korean vessels in the Red Sea, particularly in light of recent military tensions involving Houthi rebels in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, India had also advised its citizens to postpone travel to Iran until further notice. The Indian embassy in Iran recommended that citizens consider temporarily leaving the country via available flights unless their presence is critically necessary.
Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Jordan has urged Indian nationals residing there to remain vigilant and adhere to local authorities’ instructions.
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