The government has recommended Korean residents in Iraq, Israel and Kuwait to evacuate the nations as the situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly tense. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the government is concerned about the situation asking the Korean residents to leave as early as possible. The ministry said if the situation in Iraq deteriorates rapidly, it may be impossible to leave the region by air, adding that it is considering sending a charter flight later this month to bring Koreans home. Meanwhile, the government also asked other citizens to put off their trips to the Middle East until after the situation is completely resolved. The ministry said citizens are being urged to restrict trips as much as possible to return home safely before military action begins.