Iranian Ambassador to Korea Saeed Koozechi observes a moment of silence for victims ahead of a press conference on Israeli and U.S. military attacks on Iran at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Amid rising tensions across the Middle East amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi on Thursday urged Seoul to take a broader role in deescalating the conflict, and called on the United States and Israel to halt what he described as illegal acts of aggression.
At a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in central Seoul's Yongsan District, Koozechi said Iranians have long valued resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation but would stand firm if their enemies choose war.
“Given the ongoing illegal, full-scale attacks, we cannot sit at the negotiating table now. The aggression against Iran must stop,” Koozechi said.
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have continued since Saturday, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial barrage. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in nearby countries, also damaging civilian facilities including airports and hotels.
Asked about a statement Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Monday on the Middle East conflict, in which Seoul emphasized protecting its nationals and urged dialogue, the ambassador said it is natural for governments to protect their citizens abroad but described the spokesperson’s remarks as insufficient.
“Korea is a country that excels in the economy and business. What Iran hopes is that Korea will play a greater role in stopping such conflicts. We would also like Korea to clearly express its position,” Koozechi said.
The ambassador added that silence from other countries amounts to complicity with the United States and Israel and abandoning international law.
Iranian Ambassador to Korea Saeed Koozechi speaks during a press conference on Israeli and U.S. military attacks on Iran at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in central Seoul's Yongsan District, Thursday. Yonhap
Koozechi acknowledged the possibility that some U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) assets could be deployed to the Middle East. His remarks followed reports this week that Korea and the United States were discussing redeploying such capabilities, with Korea’s Ministry of National Defense saying Thursday that the use of USFK assets is routinely coordinated between the two sides.
Source: Korea Times News
