In response to heightened military tensions between the United States and Iran, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok convened a virtual meeting with overseas diplomats stationed in the Middle East. The meeting focused on the urgent need to assist South Korean nationals living in or traveling through the region, with directives issued to ensure their safe evacuation to neighboring countries as well as support for their repatriation to South Korea. Key ambassadors reported on current evacuation processes and the safety of local South Koreans in countries like Iran and Israel.

During the meeting, Kim emphasized the importance of maintaining real-time communication with South Korean citizens and urged diplomats to provide comprehensive reports on the safety conditions and evacuation measures being taken. Diplomats from 14 Middle Eastern countries participated, sharing updates on the movement of local South Koreans and the efforts to facilitate their safe transit to nearby countries. Notably, the Ambassador to Iran noted challenges due to bombings near the embassy but reaffirmed a commitment to ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals.

The ambassadors also highlighted the logistical efforts underway to secure evacuation flights for those willing to return via third countries. In a precarious security situation, Kim Min-seok reiterated the need for a robust support system for South Korean nationals, both in terms of safety and repatriation, acknowledging that the situation may worsen and reinforcing the necessity for readiness and aid as circumstances evolve.