Seoul again warns nationals to promptly leave Iran, Iraq, Lebanon

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Published: 19 Mar. 2026, 19:23

Smoke rises from Khiyam, a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, amid escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, and amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from northern Israel, March 18, 2026. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

The foreign ministry on Thursday renewed a call for its nationals in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon to promptly leave the countries for their safety, as the conflict in the region is escalating amid fears of a wider ground offensive.

The repeated call came as hundreds of Koreans remain in the region, with about 240 in Iraq, 120 in Lebanon and around 40 in Iran.

No casualties or damage involving Koreans have been reported so far.

"We remain concerned about the safety of our citizens in high-risk areas," a ministry official said. "As the risk is rising in Iraq, Iran and Lebanon, we once again strongly advise our nationals and businesspeople in those countries to depart at the earliest possible time."

Most of those staying in Iraq are businesspeople working for construction companies, while the majority of people in Lebanon are missionaries. Many of those in Iran are multicultural families.

The official noted the possibility that the personnel or assets of U.S. allies could come under attack, adding that the U.S. and Korean embassies in Baghdad are located as close as about 500 meters (1640 feet) apart.

Yonhap