Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “deeply concerned” about the risk of wider conflict in the Middle East following missile strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, reports The Mirror.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the joint action as “unprovoked military aggression” and called it a “frightening turn of events”, reports The Mirror.
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said that only a small number of Irish citizens are currently in Iran.
US and Israeli forces carried out attacks on Iran on Saturday morning, describing them as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government allegedly seeking to develop nuclear weapons, reports The Mirror.
The strikes prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles reportedly targeting Israel and other countries across the Middle East.
In a statement, the Toaiseach said: “I am deeply concerned by developments in Iran and the real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region. I strongly urge all parties to exercise restraint and to work to avoid that outcome. Ireland has always believed that conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. That must apply in this situation as much as in any other. The protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighbouring countries must now be paramount,” reports The Mirror.
He added: “We have seen in recent months how it has massacred and imprisoned its own people when they have risen up in protest against it. It has used its malign influence to drive conflict and division throughout the Middle East. We have been clear that it must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and we have supported international efforts to ensure its compliance with its obligations in international law,” reports The Mirror.
“That goal should be pursued around the negotiating table. Our embassies and missions in the region are working to support Irish citizens affected and are coordinating closely with our international partners to ensure their safety. We will remain in close contact with our international partners, in the EU and the UN, as the situation evolves.”
Ms McDonald called for a cessation of military action.
She said: “This is an act of unprovoked military aggression. It is the second such action in just nine months, it is incredibly dangerous, lives are at stake, civilian lives. There needs to be cessation of this action, there needs to be a return to the negotiating table and diplomacy needs to win out. It is a shocking situation and, remember, there is an ongoing genocide, unchecked, in Palestine, running alongside this,” reports The Mirror.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
