FOREIGN Affairs Minister Simon Harris has spoken with the Irish Ambassadors in Iran and Israel to urge them to push for an end to the air attacks that have devastated both countries.
The Tanaiste is also working with his European counterparts to push for an end to the violence that has seen the Middle East explode into all-out war this week.
The Irish Ambassadors in Tehran and Tel Aviv today briefed Minister Harris on the latest situation on the ground in their respective countries.
Minister Harris said: “This is a dangerous moment for the Middle East. I am deeply concerned about the continuing exchange of air attacks between Israel and Iran.
“I reiterate my call for both sides to urgently de-escalate, to open channels for communication and allow a return to diplomacy.
“Continuing military action will not bring security for any of the people of the region.”
Irish people are being urged to not to travel to Iran or Israel with the Department of Foreign Affairs working with Irish people living in the countries in order to help them remain safe.
The Tanaiste said: “Our Embassies are in close contact with members of the Irish community to offer assistance.
“We are also working closely with our European counterparts in relation to the situation that is unfolding.
“My Department continues to advise against all travel to Iran and Israel for Irish citizens.
“Irish citizens in the region are advised to be vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has also called on global powers to work together in a bid to de escalate the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking in Cork, Martin expressed concern about violence between Israel and Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
‘SO MUCH CONFLICT’
He admitted: “It is deeply concerning that we have so much conflict in the Middle East.
“It is dangerous in terms of its impact on civilian populations in the first instance. We see the horrors of Gaza – Syria is coming out of the embers of a horrible civil war.
“A new Government is installed there endeavouring to find and create some stability – we have instability and war in Lebanon, a new Government there trying to create stability and sustainable life for people in Lebanon.
“We have the appalling settlements in the West Bank.
‘DEEP CONCERN’
“Iran should have engaged a long time ago on its nuclear programme and to dismantling it.”
“But there has to be a return to a rules-based international order. At the moment it is receding before our very eyes. It is being eroded.
“That is a matter of deep concern to us.
“We want to see a peaceful resolution to the conflict – we believe in dialogue and we believe in diplomacy.
“So we would say – to the world powers in particular – to use their influence and stop the hostilities to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
“And to get a huge surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“Also to bring about a cessation (of violence) and to de-escalate between Iran and Israel.”
DE-ESCALATE CRISIS CALLS
Mr Martin also called on Iran to de-escalate the crisis in the Middle East by continuing to engage internationally in relation to its nuclear programme.
“It is important that (Iran) they would continue to engage but the context now may make that very difficult.”
“They should have engaged, in my view, far more proactively in the past.”
“The International Atomic Energy Agency called it out during the week – but equally they said the bombing of nuclear installations is hugely concerning. There is the risk of widespread potential death and destruction.”
“The only sustainable way of ensuring peace is through dialogue and diplomacy, ultimately.”
