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

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

(LEAD) S Korea-Iran

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

(ATTN: UPDATES with more details from 3rd para)

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.

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.

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.

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