Harris: World risks losing all control of Iran crisis
The US strikes on Iran represent an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' of the conflict in the Middle East, Tánaiste Simon Harris said on Sunday.
Mr Harris said that an escalation was more likely than ever, and the international community was at risk of 'losing all control' of the conflict.
He and Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for an 'urgent' de-escalation and a negotiated solution on Iran's nuclear facilities. They said they were yesterday in close contact with their European counterparts before a meeting of EU foreign leaders of EU leaders later in the week. The US strikes on Iran represent an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' of the conflict in the Middle East, Tánaiste Simon Harris said. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
'Diplomacy and dialogue is ultimately the only way to resolve these issues,' Mr Martin said.
'Iran should commit not to develop nuclear weapons and disavow its nuclear and uranium enrichment programme. Nuclear safety is an issue here, modern warfare is very destructive.
'It is civilians who ultimately suffer, and that is why we need an end to these wars and bring an end to conflict.' Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for an 'urgent' de-escalation and a negotiated solution on Iran's nuclear facilities. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie
Mr Martin said the escalation on Sunday should not draw attention away from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. 'We shouldn't lose sight of the catastrophe still unfolding in Gaza, while the war between Iran and Israel continues,' he said.
'What is happening in Gaza is appalling and a breach of international humanitarian law, and again, innocent civilians and children are being starved there, and we need that to come to an end.'
Staff from Ireland's embassy in Tehran left the country on Friday as the embassy was closed, and updates are being provided on over 300 Irish peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon.
Mr Harris said there were no plans to withdraw Irish troops and 'decisions are being made constantly' to ensure their safety. Micheál Martin said the escalation on Sunday should not draw attention away from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
When asked whether he supported Donald Trump's strikes on Iran, Mr Harris said: 'I think it's resulted in an extraordinarily dangerous escalation of a conflict that already best be described as a tinderbox.
'We're now entering a moment of particular danger, because I think the chances now of a spiral of escalation are more likely than ever before, and there is a real prospect now of the international community losing all control of this very, very volatile conflict.'
He said there was only a 'very small' number of Irish citizens, many dual nationals, seeking an evacuation, and they were working with European counterparts.
'Thank God we woke this morning to the International Atomic Energy Agency saying they haven't detected any increase in radiation,' he told RTÉ Radio. US president Donald Trump. Pic: Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images
He said there was a diplomatic process in train and his understanding from readouts was 'there was a commitment from the Iranian side to further talks'.
Mr Harris said Ireland and Europe are 'fully united in the clear view' Iran should not be let to 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,' he said.
'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.'
Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan said people woke up on Sunday 'terrified, really, to be quite honest, about the prospect of what's unfolding'.
He told RTÉ's The Week In Politics it is 'terrifying' for citizens in Iran and Israel. 'It does take great people to make leaps of faith in particular places in time to come forward, whether it was in relation to [Anwar el-Sadat] in Egypt, and later in relation to Bill Clinton and what he did, we now require people to actually get people around the table,' he said. Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan said people woke up on Sunday 'terrified, really, to be quite honest, about the prospect of what's unfolding'. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
'Because ultimately, as the Taoiseach said, this is terrifying, not only for the innocent communities who are living in both countries, but as well for neighbouring countries in the Middle East, who we all hope are not drawn into a much bigger conflict.'
Mr Harris is engaged in a major diplomatic outreach aimed at saving the Irish UN presence in Lebanon. He was in Brussels yesterday at a meeting with his European counterparts. He has been briefed on the situation in the Middle East from the Defence Forces and will continue to discuss options about the mission with Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy.
The Tanaiste will impress on his foreign counterparts the absolute need for the mission to continue, in order to ensure stability and peace in the region.
Ireland has over 340 troops deployed at Camp Shamrock.
Separately, the Tánaiste has been briefed by the Chief of Staff on a number of incidents that took place in Southern Lebanon in recent days. All Irish Troops are accounted for and well.
Responding to the American attack on Iran, Mr Harris said: 'I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following military action by the United States on three nuclear facilities in Iran overnight.
'I am also very conscious of the large presence of Irish peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon and their safety is of paramount importance.
'We remain in close contact with our Embassies in the region and are supporting those Irish citizens who wish to leave.
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