Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-back and Elbridge Colby, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy 2026.1.26 &#40;Provided by Ministry of National Defense&#41; / News1

Defense Secretary Ahn Kyu-back held a phone conversation with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on Tuesday to discuss the Middle East situation following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

The call, initiated by Colby at approximately 8:30 p.m., allowed Secretary Ahn to hear the U.S. perspective on military operations in Iran and exchange views on the evolving Middle East crisis.

The Pentagon reported that both nations reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance amid rapidly shifting global security dynamics and committed to maintaining robust communication and cooperation going forward.

The U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian soil on February 28, resulting in the reported deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials. The situation has since escalated, with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launching missile attacks against northern Israel on Monday.

Before his call with Colby, Secretary Ahn convened a situation assessment meeting at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) operations command center to analyze regional developments following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The assessment briefing was attended by approximately 40 participants, including commanders of overseas deployed units such as the Dongmyeong Unit (Lebanon), Cheonghae Unit (Somalia), Akh Unit (UAE), and Hanbit Unit (South Sudan), along with key JCS personnel.

Secretary Ahn began by evaluating the Middle East situation and North Korean developments, then received status updates from the overseas unit commanders.

The Defense Ministry heightened force protection measures for deployed units immediately following the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. As of now, no casualties have been reported among South Korean forces overseas.

Secretary Ahn stressed that its top priority is ensuring the safety of the personnel in theater. Limit external activities and maintain maximum readiness to respond to any contingency while upholding military preparedness in the areas of operation. He added that maintain 24/7 crisis response capabilities and be prepared to rapidly deploy military assets if called upon to assist in the evacuation of South Korean citizens.

Furthermore, Secretary Ahn directed all military branches: Commanders must maintain field-focused readiness while ensuring thorough preparation for combined defense exercises, including Freedom Shield. Uphold the highest standards of military discipline.

Defense Secretary Ahn Kyu-back held a phone conversation with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secret …

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