Taoiseach and Tánaiste urge de-escalation as United States targets nuclear sites in Iran
Irish Government leaders are 'closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East' as President Donald Trump confirms overnight military action
Government leaders say they are closely monitoring events in the Middle East after the United States targeted three nuclear sites in Iran overnight amid rising tensions in the region.
President Donald Trump confirmed the military action in a televised address from The White House in the early hours of this Sunday morning, Irish time.
In a post on social media, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said 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 way forward. We remain in close contact with international partners ahead of the EU Council," he wrote.
In a separate post, Tánaiste and Minster for Foreign Affair Simon Harris says he is closely monitoring the situation.
"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," he stated.
Mr Harris, who confirmed the temporary closure of the Irish Embassy in Tehran on Friday says he will travel to Brussels later this Sunday for a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.
"Europe, including Ireland is fully united in the clear view that Iran should not be allowed possess 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," he stated.
It's understood there are a small number of Irish citizens currently in Iran and Mr Harris says the Department of Foreign Affairs remains in close contact with Irish Embassies in the region and is supporting those Irish citizens who wish to leave the country.