Seoul again urges its nationals to swiftly leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon amid Mideast conflict | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry on Thursday renewed a call for its nationals in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to promptly leave the countries for their safety, as the conflict in the region is escalating amid fears of a wider ground offensive. No casualties or damage involving South Koreans have been reported so far. "We remain concerned about the safety of our citizens in high-risk areas," the official said. "As the risk is rising in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we once again strongly advise our nationals and businesspeople in those countries to depart at the earliest possible time." Most of those staying in Iraq are businesspeople working for construction companies, while the majority of people in Lebanon are missionaries. This Reuters photo shows smoke rising from a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #foreign ministry #Middle East Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N. Korea's national sports festival prev Seoul again urges its nationals to swiftly leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon amid Mideast conflict Next Seoul again urges its nationals to swiftly leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon amid Mideast conflict

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SEOUL, March 19 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry on Thursday renewed a call for its nationals in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to promptly leave the countries for their safety, as the conflict in the region is escalating amid fears of a wider ground offensive.
The repeated call came as hundreds of South Koreans remain in the region, with about 240 in Iraq, 120 in Lebanon and around 40 in Iran.
No casualties or damage involving South Koreans have been reported so far.
"We remain concerned about the safety of our citizens in high-risk areas," the official said. "As the risk is rising in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we once again strongly advise our nationals and businesspeople in those countries to depart at the earliest possible time."
Most of those staying in Iraq are businesspeople working for construction companies, while the majority of people in Lebanon are missionaries. Many of those in Iran are multicultural families.
The official noted the possibility that the personnel or assets of U.S. allies could come under attack, adding that the U.S. and South Korean embassies are located as close as about 500 meters apart.
This Reuters photo shows smoke rising from a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Seoul again urges its nationals to swiftly leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon amid Mideast conflict
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Seoul again urges its nationals to swiftly leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon amid Mideast conflict

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Korea committed to expanding nuclear, missile programs; poses 'significant' threats to S.

### Areas for Consideration
- No casualties or damage involving South Koreans have been reported so far. "We remain concerned about the safety of our citizens in high-risk areas," the official said. "As the risk is rising in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we once again strongly advise our nationals and businesspeople in those countries to depart at the earliest possible time." Most of those staying in Iraq are businesspeople working for construction companies, while the majority of people in Lebanon are missionaries.
- This Reuters photo shows smoke rising from a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #foreign ministry #Middle East Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.

### Implications
- The official noted the possibility that the personnel or assets of U.S. allies could come under attack, adding that the U.S. and South Korean embassies are located as close as about 500 meters apart.
- This Reuters photo shows smoke rising from a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, on March 18, 2026. (Yonhap) elly@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #foreign ministry #Middle East Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Ex-U.S. officials voice concerns about Trump gov't 'vacating' deterrence assets from Indo-Pacific amid Iran war Police vow zero tolerance for terror threats against BTS comeback concert Most Saved Four decades of Damien Hirst on display at MMCA, from shark to cherry blossoms (LEAD) FM Cho sidesteps questions on whether U.S. asked Seoul to send warships to Middle East 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life (2nd LD) N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, iran, seoul topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 505.