Group of 15 Irish citizens evacuated from Israel
A group of 15 Irish citizens were successfully assisted in departing Israel on Sunday.
They are expected to arrive in Ireland in the coming days after an EU partner organised their departure.
The Department of Foreign Affairs asks Irish citizens in Iran and Israel to remain vigilant, to monitor developments and media, and to follow advice from the authorities, including when this is to shelter in place.
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said: "Our Embassies will remain in close contact with all citizens in Israel and Iran over the days and weeks ahead. Our wider political work on the developing situation also continues."
The Tánaiste said he spoke to Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi on Sunday.
He continued: "During the call, I expressed grave concern at the developments overnight, strongly urged restraint and shared the view that it was not in the interests of the Iranian people or the Middle East as a region for hostilities to escalate.
"I stressed the importance of Iran engaging in formal processes to de-escalate and said there is eagerness on the part of the EU and the E3 countries to be helpful in relation to these processes and to remain engaged in dialogue at this key time.
"Ireland's perspective on this matter comes from our long track record of support for nuclear disarmament, our recent role on the UN Security Council dealing with the Iran file and the strong belief that concerns about Iran's nuclear programme should be addressed through dialogue."
The Tánaiste is due to meet his EU counterparts in Brussels on Monday to discuss the evolving situation. He added: "Our work to encourage dialogue, diplomacy and deescalation will continue."
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