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Iran’s ambassador concerned about potential USFK role in Middle East
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
By Park Ung
Envoy condemns strikes, calls on Korea to help temper Middle East tensions
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.
“The United States faces shortages, so we cannot rule out the possibility that it could use capabilities or weapons deployed with U.S. forces in Korea,” Koozechi said. “President Donald Trump is seeking a larger budget from Congress, and because the situation is not unfolding as expected, such discussions with Korea could take place.”
On some Iranians in Korea calling for regime change, Koozechi expressed strong regret.
“Criticism can be voiced against any government or political system, but welcoming foreign airstrikes on one’s own country is unacceptable,” the ambassador said, adding that he does not consider those expressing such views to be truly Iranian.
Koozechi said the war could be prolonged and that Iran is fully prepared for this possibility, while strongly condemning Israel.
“U.S. policy in the Middle East is driven more than ever by the Israeli government’s interests,” the ambassador said, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of devastating Gaza while relying on U.S. political, military and economic backing to justify attacks on Iran.
Park Ung