I am deeply concerned that the US and Israel have decided to launch widespread armed conflict against Iran at this time.
I am equally dismayed at the Iranian response in recent hours.
As was made clear to me on my visit to the region last month, further conflict is profoundly unhelpful and presents challenges which only make already deep divisions more dangerous and unstable and put more lives in the region at risk.
We had hoped that it would be possible to reach a diplomatic agreement to resolve international concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. Ireland was a strong supporter of the JCPOA and of subsequent dialogue and diplomacy for this very reason. We urge all parties to return to this path of negotiation.
I call on all sides to de-escalate. We hope also that other States in the region will exercise restraint - a wider conflict will increase regional instability.
There are a small number of Irish citizens in Iran, most of whom have been resident in the country for many years. I fully understand the concerns of Irish citizens in the region, and the concerns of their families and friends in Ireland and around the world.
Our Embassies in the region are actively engaged to support Irish citizens who are affected.
Our travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran. We also advise against travel to Israel. Our advice at this time to citizens in the region is to shelter in place. You should follow the directions of the local authorities and advice issued on social media by the Irish Embassy to your country of residence.
Our Embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation and continuing to provide consular assistance. We would ask relatives and friends who have queries or concerns about family members in the region to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000.
I will remain in close contact with EU and international partners as this situation continues to evolve.
