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Defense chief prioritizes overseas Korean troops' safety following U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran

Published: 02 Mar. 2026, 18:43 Updated: 02 Mar. 2026, 18:59

National Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back departs for Canada from Incheon International Airport on Feb. 24. [YONHAP]

National Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Monday called for the safety of Korean troops dispatched overseas to be the top priority amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Ahn made the remarks while presiding over a meeting to assess the situation in the Middle East and inspect the safety of Korean troops dispatched overseas, including in the United Arab Emirates, South Sudan, Lebanon and Somalia.

“While ensuring that the safety of troops deployed there is the top priority, refrain from external activities and make every effort to maintain a full readiness posture within the base to ensure immediate response to any contingency,” Ahn was quoted as saying.

He also called on the troops to ensure a 24-hour response system against any threats and to be “thoroughly” prepared to help Korean nationals abroad flee to safety if the need arises.

The meeting was attended by some 40 senior officials in the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as commanders of dispatched troops overseas via video calls.

During the meeting, the National Defense Ministry confirmed there were no reports of damage or casualties among Korean troops overseas and noted they had stepped up their defense posture since Saturday.

The United States and Israel launched pre-emptive strikes against Iran on Saturday morning in their latest military operation against the Middle Eastern country amid ongoing conflict over Tehran's nuclear program.

Yonhap