Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Monday instructed the presidential office and all ministries to be put under an emergency response system to address heightened tensions in the Middle East following U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. In his first meeting with senior presidential aides since taking office, Lee described the Middle East situation as “very urgent” and urged authorities to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals in the region.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee also directed ministries to consider including additional measures for the Middle East crisis in the upcoming supplementary budget, if necessary. The meeting was attended by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, and other key aides, marking the first of its kind since Lee’s inauguration on June 4.

Later in the day, Lee hosted a dinner at his official residence with Kim Byung-kee, acting leader and floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party, and other senior party officials. During the two-hour meeting, Lee emphasized the importance of collaboration between the administration and the National Assembly to improve people’s livelihoods. The party leadership expressed its commitment to working with the government on legislation aimed at revitalizing the economy, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a written briefing.