▲ Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (L) shakes hands on March 15, 2026, with a service member, who took part in an operation to bring home South Korean nationals from Saudi Arabia on a military transport aircraft, in this photo provided by the defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense chief-Middle East

Defense chief vows firm readiness against all possible situations involving Mideast conflict

SEOUL, March 17 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back pledged Tuesday to maintain firm military readiness against "all possible situations" that could arise from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Ahn made the remarks at a parliamentary session as the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been shut amid the U.S.-led war in Iran, raising concerns over regional tensions as well as energy imports using the vital oil shipping route.

"Going forward, our military will thoroughly maintain a firm readiness posture against all possible situations," he told lawmakers in a parliamentary defense committee meeting, taking note of what he called expanding military clashes across the Middle East.

"While securing the safety of military units dispatched overseas, the defense ministry maintains a strengthened surveillance posture against North Korea under close coordination with the United States," he added.

Last week, South Korea successfully carried out the mission "Operation Desert Shine" to bring home safely 204 nationals from Saudi Arabia with a military transport aircraft.

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