20 S. Korean nationals in Iran evacuate to Turkmenistan

A group of South Korean nationals in Iran has been safely evacuated to Turkmenistan, amid intensifying military clashes between Israel and Iran.

Seoul's Foreign Ministry said Thursday some 20 individuals, including 18 South Korean nationals and two Iranian family members, departed from Tehran, and traveled around 12-hundred kilometers for some 30 hours to reach Iran's eastern border checkpoint.

The ministry provided chartered buses and assisted with border procedures as well as other necessary consular support.

Seoul also sent a Rapid Response Team to Turkmenistan to help with accommodation and assistance in arranging return flights.

Following this evacuation, around 90 Koreans remain in Iran.

The government stated that it stands ready to provide additional consular support and evacuation assistance upon request.

Its travel advisories for Iran and Israel are both at level 3, which recommends Korean nationals leave.