Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back pledged Tuesday to maintain firm military readiness against "all possible situations" that could arise from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn made the remarks at a parliamentary session as the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been shut amid the U.S.-led war in Iran. This situation has raised concerns over regional tensions and the impact on energy imports through the vital oil shipping route.

"Going forward, our military will thoroughly maintain a firm readiness posture against all possible situations," Ahn informed lawmakers during a parliamentary defense committee meeting, highlighting the expanding military clashes across the Middle East.

He emphasized the importance of securing the safety of military units dispatched overseas and mentioned that the defense ministry continues to maintain a strengthened surveillance posture against North Korea, in close coordination with the United States.

Last week, South Korea successfully executed "Operation Desert Shine," a mission to safely bring home 204 nationals from Saudi Arabia using a military transport aircraft.