South Korea urges citizens to leave Iran as US strike fears mount

2026-02-23 - 08:52

South Korea has warned its citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions and concerns over a possible US military strike, according to an embassy statement and local media reports on Monday. In a safety notice on its website Sunday, the South Korean Embassy in Iran warned that the country's security could deteriorate rapidly, urging nationals to monitor media and embassy advisories closely and take additional precautions for personal safety. "Leave As Soon As Possible" The Korea Herald reported the embassy advised South Koreans currently in Iran to depart "as soon as possible" unless their stay is essential, and called on those planning to travel to cancel or postpone trips. "Recent media reports have highlighted rapidly escalating regional tensions, citing the possibility of a US attack on Iran and Tehran's warning of retaliation," the embassy stated. Military and Diplomatic Context The warning comes as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional fighter jets have already arrived, with the USS Gerald R. Ford reportedly en route. President Donald Trump last Thursday set a 10- to 15-day window for negotiations to produce results before considering military options, reiterating Friday he is weighing a limited strike to pressure Iran into a "serious" agreement. Iran and the US will hold another round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva on Thursday, Omani mediation confirmed.