Simon Harris to attend EU ministers summit in wake of US attack on Iran
The Tánaiste will attend a gathering of EU leaders in Brussels, two days after the US launched an attack on Iran.
Simon Harris, who is also Ireland's foreign affairs minister, said the attack was an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' in an already 'volatile' situation in the Middle East.
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He is to attend a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on Monday, where the growing crisis in the Middle East will be discussed among other topics.
I can confirm that 15 🇮🇪 citizens and their dependents have been successfully evacuated from 🇮🇱 today.
Grateful to 🇦🇹 and our teams in Tel Aviv, Dublin & the region for their tireless work.
We remain in close contact with all Irish citizens in the region.
pic.twitter.com/yrbQT8Zp2g
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD)
June 22, 2025
Tensions in the Middle East boiled over 10 days ago when Israel launched strikes on Tehran, targeting the country's nuclear programme.
Israel and Iran have been exchanging strikes with one another since, rekindling fears of a full-scale conflict.
On Saturday the US weighed in, sending planes and submarines to attack Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz, which are linked to Iran's nuclear programme.
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Tehran threatened to retaliate, while US President Donald Trump warned of further action if necessary.
Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Middle East
pic.twitter.com/IbJAQmnsKn
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD)
June 22, 2025
Speaking ahead of the EU meeting on Monday, Mr Harris said there needed to be 'a diplomatic solution' to Iran's nuclear programme.
The Tánaiste said that urgent de-escalation and diplomacy are 'crucial', and the EU 'has a role to play in charting a way forward'.
He said he would also be calling for 'swift and concrete actions' in response to the EU's review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
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'We must also maintain a strong focus on the situation in Gaza, which remains catastrophic,' he added.
'I call on Israel to lift its blockade on aid into Gaza. The situation in the West Bank also continues to be unacceptable.
'The EU can and must provide leadership on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, on the release of hostages, on preserving the two-State solution, and on efforts to support peace and stability in the Middle East.'
We will have a Security College on Wednesday, focused on the escalating situation in the Middle East and its effects on Europe.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen)
June 22, 2025
EU ministers are expected to discuss the latest developments, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
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Among the other topics to be discussed are the Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU engagement with China, and Georgia.
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha will also attend the summit and provide an update.
The discussion on China is expected to prepare for the upcoming EU-China Strategic Dialogue and EU-China Summit.
Mr Harris added: 'I will be underlining the need to demonstrate our unity and collective backing for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression.
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'Recent weeks have seen a significant escalation in brutal Russian air attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. These are not the action of a country interested in peace.'
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BBC News
21 minutes ago
- BBC News
Irish evacuees from Israel expected home in 'coming days'
A group of 15 Irish citizens and their dependants have been evacuated from Israel, the Irish government has said.Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister) Simon Harris said the Irish citizens left Israel on Sunday and are expected to arrive in Ireland in the coming were evacuated in an operation organised by Austria, one of Ireland's EU partners, Harris evacuation comes as Israel and Iran continue to trade missile strikes and the US launched an attack on Iranian nuclear sites. "Throughout this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Tel Aviv have remained in regular contact with Irish citizens in the region," Harris added: "I would like to thank the government of Austria for the close cooperation which resulted in today's successful evacuation."I would also like to thank our consular response teams in Tel Aviv, Dublin and across the Middle East who continue to support Irish citizens in the region".Earlier, the tánaiste said that a "small number" of citizens also want to leave Iran, and work is under way to get them out Dublin government, Harris said, is urging Irish citizens in both Israel and Iran to "remain vigilant, to monitor developments and media, and to follow advice from the authorities, including when this is to shelter in place"."All citizens in the region should register with the nearest Irish Embassy, if they have not already done so," he said. 'Grave concern' Harris added: "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 deputy prime minister said he had spoken on Sunday to Iran's deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi."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," Harris said Ireland had a long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament, adding that concerns about Iran's nuclear programme should be addressed through dialogue.
Rhyl Journal
23 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Irish citizens evacuated from Iran
It comes after the successful evacuation of 15 Irish citizens and their dependents from Israel on Sunday. Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said the US attack was an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' in an already 'volatile' situation in the Middle East. He is to attend a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on Monday, where the growing crisis in the Middle East will be discussed among other topics. I am pleased to confirm that three Irish 🇮🇪 citizens and their dependents have safely departed Iran overnight and are now en route home. I continue to urge all Irish citizens in Iran to register at so we can maintain contact with you. — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 23, 2025 In a statement, Mr Harris said those who had left Iran will now 'travel home'. 'I want to extend our gratitude to our European friends and partners for their excellent support.' He added: 'Throughout this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassies have remained in regular contact with Irish citizens in the region.' Tensions in the Middle East boiled over 10 days ago when Israel launched strikes on Tehran, targeting the country's nuclear programme. Israel and Iran have been exchanging strikes with one another since, rekindling fears of a full-scale conflict. On Saturday the US weighed in, sending planes and submarines to attack Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz, which are linked to Iran's nuclear programme. Tehran threatened to retaliate, while US President Donald Trump warned of further action if necessary. Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Middle East — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 22, 2025 Speaking ahead of the EU meeting on Monday, Mr Harris said there needed to be 'a diplomatic solution' to Iran's nuclear programme. The Tanaiste said that urgent de-escalation and diplomacy are 'crucial', and the EU 'has a role to play in charting a way forward'. He said he would also be calling for 'swift and concrete actions' in response to the EU's review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. 'We must also maintain a strong focus on the situation in Gaza, which remains catastrophic,' he added. 'I call on Israel to lift its blockade on aid into Gaza. The situation in the West Bank also continues to be unacceptable. 'The EU can and must provide leadership on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, on the release of hostages, on preserving the two-State solution, and on efforts to support peace and stability in the Middle East.' We will have a Security College on Wednesday, focused on the escalating situation in the Middle East and its effects on Europe. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 22, 2025 EU ministers are expected to discuss the latest developments, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Among the other topics to be discussed are the Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU engagement with China, and Georgia. Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha will also attend the summit and provide an update. The discussion on China is expected to prepare for the upcoming EU-China Strategic Dialogue and EU-China Summit. Mr Harris added: 'I will be underlining the need to demonstrate our unity and collective backing for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression. 'Recent weeks have seen a significant escalation in brutal Russian air attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. These are not the action of a country interested in peace.' Those who have been evacuated were among 29 Irish citizens in Iran who had registered with the Irish embassy and around 200 in Israel.
BreakingNews.ie
28 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish citizens evacuated from Iran
Three Irish citizens and their dependents have been safely evacuated from Iran after the US joined bombing raids on the country. It comes after the successful evacuation of 15 Irish citizens and their dependents from Israel on Sunday. Advertisement Tánaiste Simon Harris said the US attack was an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' in an already 'volatile' situation in the Middle East. He is to attend a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on Monday, where the growing crisis in the Middle East will be discussed among other topics. I am pleased to confirm that three Irish 🇮🇪 citizens and their dependents have safely departed Iran overnight and are now en route home. I continue to urge all Irish citizens in Iran to register at so we can maintain contact with you. — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 23, 2025 In a statement, Mr Harris said those who had left Iran will now 'travel home'. 'I want to extend our gratitude to our European friends and partners for their excellent support.' Advertisement He added: 'Throughout this crisis, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassies have remained in regular contact with Irish citizens in the region.' Tensions in the Middle East boiled over 10 days ago when Israel launched strikes on Tehran, targeting the country's nuclear programme. Israel and Iran have been exchanging strikes with one another since, rekindling fears of a full-scale conflict. On Saturday the US weighed in, sending planes and submarines to attack Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz, which are linked to Iran's nuclear programme. Advertisement Tehran threatened to retaliate, while US President Donald Trump warned of further action if necessary. Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Middle East — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 22, 2025 Speaking ahead of the EU meeting on Monday, Mr Harris said there needed to be 'a diplomatic solution' to Iran's nuclear programme. The Tánaiste said that urgent de-escalation and diplomacy are 'crucial', and the EU 'has a role to play in charting a way forward'. He said he would also be calling for 'swift and concrete actions' in response to the EU's review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Advertisement 'We must also maintain a strong focus on the situation in Gaza, which remains catastrophic,' he added. 'I call on Israel to lift its blockade on aid into Gaza. The situation in the West Bank also continues to be unacceptable. 'The EU can and must provide leadership on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, on the release of hostages, on preserving the two-State solution, and on efforts to support peace and stability in the Middle East.' We will have a Security College on Wednesday, focused on the escalating situation in the Middle East and its effects on Europe. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 22, 2025 EU ministers are expected to discuss the latest developments, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Advertisement Among the other topics to be discussed are the Russian invasion of Ukraine, EU engagement with China, and Georgia. Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha will also attend the summit and provide an update. The discussion on China is expected to prepare for the upcoming EU-China Strategic Dialogue and EU-China Summit. Mr Harris added: 'I will be underlining the need to demonstrate our unity and collective backing for Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression. 'Recent weeks have seen a significant escalation in brutal Russian air attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. These are not the action of a country interested in peace.' Those who have been evacuated were among 29 Irish citizens in Iran who had registered with the Irish embassy and around 200 in Israel.
