UPDATES WITH LATEST INFORMATION AFTER SOUTH KOREA'S NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING; ADDS BACKGROUND; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE
By Islamuddin Sajid
South Korea on Sunday vowed to minimize the impacts of the Middle East crisis on the Korean Peninsula's security and economic conditions after the US carried out attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to local media reports.
The latest situation was discussed during the presidential National Security Council meeting, chaired by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Wi stressed the importance of protecting the lives and safety of the Korean people and ensuring the stability of daily life.
"He urged close communication and cooperation among relevant ministries to minimize the impact of the recent series of developments in the Middle East on the Korean Peninsula's security and economic conditions," said presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
The situation in the region further deteriorated after US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, amid growing fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Following the US strikes, Iran called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to condemn the US aggression and to hold accountable those who violate international law.
Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.