President Lee Jae-myung on the 13th addressed Israel's extensive airstrikes on Iran's capital Tehran, saying, "Oil prices, exchange rates, and stock prices are fluctuating significantly," and emphasized, "The most important thing is the lives and safety of our citizens. I hope you will carefully assess the situation of local residents to determine if there is any damage and what measures are necessary to prevent harm."
On this day, President Lee attended an 'Emergency Meeting on Economic Security Regarding the Israel-Iran Airstrikes' at the Yongsan Presidential Office and urged his staff to consider these points.
In attendance were Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak, Policy Office Director Kim Yong-beom, Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Growth Ha Jun-kyung, Senior Presidential Spokesperson Lee Kyu-yeon, Presidential Security Service Director Hwang In-gwon, National Situation Room Director Song Gi-ho, National Crisis Management Center Director Kim Sang-ho, and Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jeong.
President Lee noted, "It seems that our economy, which was barely moving toward stabilization, is entering a rather unstable state," and said, "I request that you thoroughly supervise management so that our economy does not suffer any further significant damage due to external shocks."
He added, "I would like to say this to the citizens: The government will take the necessary measures, so do not worry and continue to do your work diligently, and we will do our best to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."
President Lee stated, "Economic and security issues are the most important duties of our government, and I assure you that we will take adequate measures in any situation."
Israel carried out a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities on the 13th (local time), plunging the Middle East into turbulence. The prospect of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, which were set for the sixth round, has become uncertain, and the potential for all-out war is rising due to Iran's response level.
In particular, the escalation of the Middle East crisis has led to a sharp rise in international oil prices. As of 11:24 a.m. on the 13th Korean time, the July futures price for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil has risen by 10.10% from the previous session to $74.91 per barrel, while the August Brent crude futures price has increased by 9.66% to $76.06 per barrel.