A group of South Korean nationals and their family members who had been in Iran arrived in Turkmenistan in the early hours of June 18. The evacuation, organized by the South Korean government, was a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Due to the suspension of civilian air travel in the country, the operation followed a complex overland route, Turkmenistan’s state media reported on Thursday.

Among the evacuees were 18 South Korean citizens and two family members holding Iranian citizenship. According to diplomatic sources, the group departed Tehran on the morning of June 17 and reached the Iran–Turkmenistan border the following day, accompanied by staff from the South Korean Embassy in Iran. From there, they traveled to Ashgabat in a vehicle provided by the Turkmen side.

While in Turkmenistan, the evacuees are being provided with necessary assistance, including temporary accommodation and preparations for their return home. South Korean officials also noted that additional support measures are being planned.

Earlier, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry announced the country would provide a 24-hour humanitarian corridor for foreign nationals arriving from Iran.