Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has announced the successful evacuation of 15 Irish citizens from Israel, amid ongoing tensions in the region.
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Mr. Harris stated in a recent press release that these individuals were evacuated through operations coordinated by Austria, and they are expected to return to Ireland shortly.
The situation intensified as the United States joined Israel in military actions against Iran, targeting three critical nuclear facilities overnight.
Israel launched these attacks last Friday, asserting that its long-time adversary is on the brink of developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes, retaliating with missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel.
It is widely understood that Israel is the only nation in the Middle East with a nuclear arsenal, although the country denies this claim.
“Throughout this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Tel Aviv have been in constant contact with Irish citizens in the region,” said Mr. Harris. “We have collaborated closely with our EU partners to share information and coordinate our consular response to this evolving situation.”
He also advised Irish citizens remaining in Iran and Israel to stay vigilant and monitor developments closely. “All citizens in the region should register with the nearest Irish embassy if they haven’t already done so,” he emphasized. “Our embassies will maintain close communication with all citizens in both countries in the coming days and weeks.”
Earlier, Mr. Harris noted that a “small number” of Irish citizens were also seeking to depart from Iran, and efforts are underway to facilitate their exit.
In his discussions, Mr. Harris expressed concern over the Iranian deputy foreign minister’s strong denunciation of U.S. and Israeli actions, labeling them as “aggressors.” He characterized the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities by U.S. B-2 stealth bombers as exacerbating an already volatile situation. “It is imperative for both sides to step back from the brink and de-escalate these tensions,” he urged.
However, the Iranian deputy foreign minister maintained that those responsible for the attacks on his country should “pay a price.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy following the U.S. strikes against Iran. “We are maintaining close contact with international partners ahead of the EU Council,” he stated.
“There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy in the Middle East. Iran should unequivocally disavow the development of nuclear weapons. A negotiated solution is the path forward,” Mr. Martin emphasized in a recent tweet.
Mr. Martin reiterated that it is crucial for all “actors in the region” to work towards de-escalation. “Ultimately, diplomacy and dialogue are the only means to resolve these pressing issues. Nuclear safety is paramount; modern warfare can be incredibly destructive, and it is civilians who end up suffering the most,” he remarked. “We shouldn’t lose sight of the humanitarian catastrophe still unfolding in Gaza as the conflict persists.”
Responding to remarks from former President Trump about potential increased military actions, Mr. Martin noted that Trump indicated a desire for dialogue before escalation.
“Iran should engage in discussions, particularly regarding its nuclear program, which has lingered in international negotiations for far too long,” he stated. “The International Atomic Energy Agency has indicated that Iran is progressing in uranium enrichment, which is unnecessary. Iran must withdraw from this path and engage in sincere negotiations.”
He assured that the diplomatic corps is safely out of Iran and is collaborating with European partners to assist any Irish citizens desiring to leave Iran, Israel, or the broader Middle East. Additionally, he confirmed that troops stationed in Lebanon are secure, emphasizing ongoing concerns in this volatile region.
“De-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy are of utmost importance, especially as Iran continues to support various proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. There is potential for greater stability in Lebanon, particularly with the emergence of a new government,” Mr. Harris noted.
As Mr. Harris travels to Brussels for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, he reiterated, “The path forward must always be a negotiated solution; alternatives pose unacceptable risks to civilians and regional security.”
For more insights, follow: Axadle Times International.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
