The Irish government has voiced serious concern following a military attack on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel on Saturday. This escalation has resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members and a rising toll of civilian casualties in Iran. In light of the situation, both U.S. and Irish citizens in the area have been advised to shelter in place, while Irish troops deployed with the United Nations have also been ordered to take refuge in bunkers.
Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed her dismay over the attack, stating, “I am deeply concerned that the US and Israel have decided to launch widespread armed conflict against Iran at this time.” She also condemned the Iranian response, highlighting the risks that further conflict poses to regional stability. Her visit to the Middle East last month reinforced her belief that diplomatic resolutions are not only preferable but necessary to address international concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
McEntee emphasized Ireland’s commitment to dialogue, noting, “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.” She urged all involved parties to return to negotiations to de-escalate the situation.
The Minister also pointed out that there are a small number of Irish citizens in Iran, many of whom have lived there for years. McEntee assured families and friends of these citizens that the Irish Embassies in the region are actively working to provide support. “Our travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran,” she stated, also advising against travel to Israel.
As tensions rise, McEntee reiterated the importance of following local authorities’ guidelines and the advice disseminated through social media by the Irish Embassy. She encouraged anyone with concerns about their family members in the affected regions to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000.
Reports indicate that Irish troops stationed in the Middle East have been compelled to seek shelter. Approximately 380 Irish troops are stationed across various bases in the region, including peace monitors with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel. An additional three officers are part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, right across the Israeli border. The majority of Irish service members are serving as UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
McEntee concluded by stating her commitment to remain in close contact with European Union and international partners as the situation unfolds. The evolving conflict has raised alarms not just in Ireland but across the international community, prompting urgent discussions on how to restore peace and prevent further loss of life.
