Statement by the Tánaiste on developments in the Middle East, 22 June 2025

I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following military action by the United States on three nuclear facilities in Iran overnight.

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.

This has been the focus of my engagement with EU partners and countries in the region since this current crisis began. It will remain Ireland’s priority in the hours and days ahead. Later today, I will travel to Brussels for a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.

Europe, including Ireland, is fully united in the clear view that Iran should not be allowed to 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.

The comment from the International Atomic Energy Agency this morning is a stark reminder of these dangers. While there is no initial reporting of any increase in off-site radiation levels as a result of overnight developments, it is a warning as to how easily that could change should further escalation occur, and the disaster that could pose.

Together with my EU counterparts, we will in the coming hours and days discuss and review the latest developments and consider the next steps Europe can usefully play to support de-escalation.

I am also very conscious of the large presence of Irish peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon and their safety is of paramount importance. I continue to receive regular updates from the Chief of Staff on measures being taken to keep them safe at this volatile time.

We remain in close contact with our Embassies in the region and are supporting those Irish citizens who wish to leave. Staff from our Embassy in Tehran departed Iran on Friday.