South Korea's Humanitarian Aid to Iran Sparks Controversy; Foreign Ministry: Through Red Cross

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

The South Korean government's announcement of $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran sparked controversy over 'aiding the Iranian regime.' However, the South Korean Foreign Ministry clarified that the aid is channeled through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ensuring no possibility of misuse by the Iranian regime. The ministry emphasized that the ICRC directly manages activities on the ground, from assessment to execution, to ensure aid reaches victims. Other nations like Switzerland, the EU, and Germany also provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran via professional international organizations, affirming this as the most reliable method to prevent political or military diversion.