The Tánaiste has advised Irish nationals against travelling to Israel following recent attacks on Iran, reports RTE.
Mr Harris explained that this updated guidance builds on existing travel advice already in place concerning Iran.
This comes after Israeli strikes across Iran, which Tehran has labeled a “declaration of war”, reports RTE.
Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, missile production facilities, and military figures, marking the start of what it says is a sustained mission to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“We’re keeping in close contact with our diplomatic teams on the ground in Iran and Israel, but I would ask all Irish citizens to heed that updated travel advice,” he said, reports RTE.
He noted that Ireland maintains diplomatic staff in Iran and that ongoing communication with them is a priority.
He added that only a limited number of Irish citizens reside in Iran.
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“There are a small number of long-term residents in Iran who are Irish citizens, I think around 17 are known to us. We are keeping in very close contact with them too,” reports RTE.
“But the change in advice today is please do not travel to Iran and Israel. This is an extraordinarily volatile and dangerous time, and I’d encourage all Irish citizens to heed that advice,” he added, reports RTE.
Mr Harris condemned Israel’s military actions, calling them “extraordinarily dangerous” and gravely serious.
In an interview on RTÉ’s News at One, Mr Harris emphasized the urgent need for “de-escalation” and urged both parties to “step back from the brink”, reports RTE.
He stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to moving forward.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed deep concern over Israel’s offensive against Iran, warning that it increases the risk of wider conflict in the region.
He pointed out that the Middle East has already seen excessive violence—from the war in Gaza and Lebanon to recent Iranian counterstrikes, reports RTE.
“It is ordinary civilians who are bearing the brunt of this and it needs to stop and we need a re-assertion of the international rules based order. We would call on all parties for restraint and to de-escalate because of the potential wider ramifications for the world and for poeple’s livelihoods and lives,” he said, reports RTE.
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