Efforts intensify to help Irish citizens flee ‘increasingly dangerous' Israel and Iran
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, said there is particular concern around the safety of Irish citizens, especially diplomats in Iran.
He was speaking after holding talks this evening with the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
'In Iran we have around 29 Irish citizens that we're aware of, and around twelve dependants. And if they do wish to leave, we are working with other countries where safe to do so in terms of putting routes in place," he said.
'In relation to Israel, there are more Irish citizens in Israel, in and around 200, and we're working with other European countries in terms of the potential of getting to Egypt or Jordan and be able to take flights from there.
"Ireland is working with other partners about potential routes out," he said.
In his talks with Jordanian and Saudi Arabian counterparts, the Tánaiste pointed to the fact that Iran will attend talks in Geneva tomorrow, which is seen as crucial for any breakthrough to take place.
Ireland will be represented at the meeting by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The UK will also be in attendance.
The Tánaiste said: 'It is not possible to overstate the serious moment of danger, not just in Iran and in Israel, but indeed in the broader region, and indeed in relation to global security.
'We need Iran and Israel to step back from the brink."
He said: 'I welcome the fact that tomorrow Iran will attend talks in Geneva with the European Union and what they call the E3 – Germany, France and the UK.
'I think that is a really important moment to try and get to a position where we can get Iran back to the negotiating table in relation to its nuclear programme.'
Simon Harris added: 'I spoke to the Jordanian and Saudi Arabian ministers today as well and it is very clear that there is a real risk of overspill into other parts of the region.
"Of course, all of this is happening against the backdrop where the horrific humanitarian catastrophe, the genocide is still continuing in Gaza.' So, this is an extraordinarily dangerous situation, and the ongoing challenge in Gaza is still obviously persisting, and the world can't forget Gaza either.'
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