▲ An undated file photo of Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul (Yonhap)

(4th LD) S Korea-Iran

(4th LD) Lee orders safety measures for S. Koreans after U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran

(ATTN: UPDATES with latest details in paras 3-6, 11)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday instructed officials to assess the potential impact of the United States and Israel's attacks on Iran, and to step up measures to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals in the Middle East.

After being briefed on the situation in Iran, Lee ordered a review of possible repercussions for South Korea and related countermeasures, while prioritizing the safety of Korean nationals in Iran and nearby regions, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a press notice.

The Office of National Security convened an emergency working-level committee meeting with foreign and security officials to discuss the latest developments in Iran and the Middle East as well as the security situation of Korean nationals in the region.

"The meeting assessed the impact of the current situation on national security and the economy, while reviewing response measures taken by relevant ministries and their future plans," the office said in a release.

"The participants agreed to closely monitor developments and prepare for possible contingencies, taking into account the possibility of the situation becoming prolonged," it said, noting the results of the meeting were reported to Lee.

The office said it is closely monitoring the situation related to Iran, urging "all parties involved to make the utmost efforts to ease regional tensions."

On Monday, the South Korean Embassy in Iran advised Korean nationals in the Middle Eastern country to leave when flights are available amid escalating tension over a possible U.S. military attack on Tehran.

South Korea has maintained the Level 3 travel advisory for all of Iran, which strongly advises South Koreans there to leave the country.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back ordered the defense ministry and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to immediately inspect the safety of South Korean troops dispatched overseas and prioritize the safety of troops dispatched to Lebanon and Somalia during their missions.

Following the order, the JCS said it found no safety issues for troops dispatched overseas.

Earlier Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the U.S. had begun "major combat operations in Iran," claiming Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach the U.S.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement the joint attack was to "remove an existential threat posed" by Iran, while Iran Revolutionary Guards said it has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes toward Israel, according to foreign media reports.

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