Seoul: South Korea on Monday expressed its "grave concerns" over the situation in the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, while also highlighting its role in efforts to resolve the nuclear issue in Iran.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean foreign ministry stated that the government is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The ministry emphasized its ongoing efforts from an economic security perspective, which include ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals in the region and securing energy supply.
The ministry also reiterated South Korea's commitment to protecting the international nonproliferation regime, referencing the nation's involvement with the North Korean nuclear issue. It emphasized South Korea's participation in international efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and expressed hope for a resolution of the situation in the Middle East in line with universal values and principles. The statement called for the restoration of dialogue and the swift achievement of peace and security through negotiations.
The backdrop to these concerns is the recent preemptive strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, amid ongoing conflict over Tehran's nuclear program.