Koreans Evacuated from Iran to Turkmenistan

Koreans Evacuated from Iran to Turkmenistan

Twenty-three Korean nationals and a rapid-response team were evacuated from Iran to neighboring Turkmenistan as tensions in the Middle East escalated. The group crossed the border on Tuesday evening, Korea time, with assistance from the Korean Embassy in Tehran and a team dispatched from Seoul. They departed Iran on Monday morning aboard two buses arranged by the embassy, escorted by diplomatic staff. After an overnight stop, they completed entry procedures at the Turkmenistan border without incident. Now traveling to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, using transportation arranged by the Korean Embassy there, the group is scheduled to depart individually for Korea or third countries on Wednesday.

A foreign ministry official emphasized that this evacuation was a preemptive effort to ensure the safety of Korean nationals amidst the deteriorating security environment. The Ministry has maintained close communication with those involved and prioritized their safe relocation. A rapid-response team from the Ministry assisted with immigration procedures upon arrival in Turkmenistan and continues to provide consular support, including accommodation arrangements and guidance on outbound flights.

The official stated that the Ministry is doing its utmost to ensure no disruptions for citizens during the process. While no further operational details were disclosed, the Ministry will continue monitoring developments across the Middle East and taking necessary measures to assist other Korean nationals seeking to leave the region. As of Tuesday, around 21,000 Koreans remained in 13 countries across the Middle East, according to government figures released earlier in the day. Officials are working to support the safe departure of Korean nationals from affected areas as tensions persist.