The government is preparing evacuation measures as tensions escalate across the Middle East, with around 21,000 Korean nationals currently staying in 13 countries in the region, officials said Tuesday. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said the protection of overseas nationals must remain the government’s top priority as uncertainty grows. “The protection of our nationals abroad is the government’s top priority,” Kim said during a Cabinet meeting at Government Complex Seoul. “Please ensure that evacuation measures and response plans for residents in the affected countries are thoroughly prepared.” He added that relevant ministries must be ready to act if conditions worsen. “The Ministry of National Defense has reported that military transport aircraft and other assets are on standby,” Kim said. “We must be prepared to respond immediately, should circumstances require it.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lawmakers gave a briefing at a meeting between the ruling party and government earlier in the day, saying that of the roughly 21,000 Koreans in the Middle East, around 17