The government expressed serious concern over the Middle East situation as armed clashes between the United States and Israel and Iran intensify.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a Spokesperson statement on the 2nd, "Our government is closely monitoring with serious concern the current developments in the Middle East unfolding between the United States and Israel and Iran." It added, "We are making multifaceted efforts to protect our nationals currently in the Middle East and, in terms of economic security, to ensure stable energy supplies."
In particular, the government laid out a clear position on the Iran nuclear issue, the core point of contention in this crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "As a party to the North Korea nuclear issue, we have a firm commitment to safeguarding the international nonproliferation regime," adding, "On that basis, we have been joining the international community's efforts to resolve the Iran nuclear issue."
The government said, "We hope the current situation will be resolved in accordance with the universal values and principles of the international community," adding, "To that end, we hope the process of dialogue will ultimately be restored and that peace and stability in the region will be swiftly regained through negotiations.
As the situation grows urgent, the government's response is also accelerating. The Office of National Security convened a National Security Council (NSC) working-level meeting immediately after the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes to analyze the implications. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok also presided over an emergency meeting of related ministries attended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), and officials from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the presidential office, discussing measures to minimize the impact on the economy and security.
The crisis began with the "Epic Fury" operation on the 28th of last month (local time), when the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on mainland Iran. Iran has responded by attacking nearby U.S. military bases and blocking the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the risk of a full-scale war.
Meanwhile, leaders of major countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany condemned Iran's indiscriminate airstrikes, and Japan also said it can never tolerate Iran's nuclear development, leaving the international community on edge.