An “urgent” need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East has been emphasized by the Minister for Foreign Affairs following U.S. airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, reports Breaking News.
Simon Harris warned that the likelihood of a “dangerous” escalation between Israel and Iran is now greater than ever.
Mr Harris, who also serves as the Tánaiste, confirmed that Irish embassy personnel in Tehran departed the country on Friday, and that he is receiving updates about Irish peacekeepers based in Lebanon, reports Breaking News.
“I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following military action by the United States on three nuclear facilities in Iran overnight,” Mr Harris said, reports Breaking News.
“The risk of an extremely dangerous spiral of escalation in relation to Iran and Israel is now more real and more likely than ever before.
“There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. This has been the focus of my engagement with EU partners and countries in the region since this current crisis began. It will remain Ireland’s priority in the hours and days ahead,” reports Breaking News.
Mr Harris said Ireland and the wider EU are “fully united in the clear view” that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
“The way to address this was always through a negotiated solution. Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the Middle East region and for global security,” reports Breaking News.
He noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency’s remarks on Sunday serve as “a stark reminder of these dangers.”
He added: “While there is no initial reporting of any increase in off-site radiation levels as a result of overnight developments, it is a warning as to how easily that could change should further escalation occur, and the disaster that could pose. Together with my EU counterparts, we will in the coming hours and days discuss and review the latest developments and consider the next steps Europe can usefully play to support de-escalation,” reports Breaking News.
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