South Korea has called on its citizens in the Middle East to leave the region quickly as tensions continue to rise between the United States and Iran. The country’s foreign ministry issued the warning on Sunday (19 July) after a meeting with officials from 17 diplomatic missions, including those in Iran and Israel. The meeting reviewed the security situation of South Korean citizens and ships in the region.
South Korea’s second vice foreign minister, Kim Jina, said: “Most Middle Eastern countries have been under a Level 3 travel warning since last March. So short-term travellers there are being advised to leave as soon as possible unless they have an urgent need.” She added: “Because of recent military tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi group and Saudi Arabia, South Korean ships operating in the Red Sea must also stay on the highest alert.”
India, too, has advised its citizens to postpone travel to Iran until the security situation improves. In a new advisory, the Indian embassy in Iran said: “Those currently in Iran should consider leaving the country temporarily, using flights if possible.” The Indian embassy also urged Indian nationals in Jordan to stay alert and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Last month, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, mediated by Pakistan, in a bid to end the conflict and establish lasting peace. But last week tensions between the two countries flared again over the Strait of Hormuz, and both sides carried out tit-for-tat strikes.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report