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BreakingNews.ie
10 hours ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Ireland closing embassy in Tehran amid ‘deteriorating situation'
The Government has decided to relocate its embassy staff out of Tehran amid what the Tánaiste described as a 'deteriorating situation' in the region. It comes after Israel and Iran exchanged further strikes a week into the conflict. Advertisement Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said: 'My department has been closely engaged on the situation in Iran and the continuing conflict between Israel and Iran. 'In recent days, I have discussed this dangerous situation with European and regional counterparts, and have been regularly updated on the important work of our embassy teams on the ground, who are providing support and assistance to Irish citizens across the region. 'I have become increasingly concerned about the operational environment for our embassy in Tehran, and the ability of our diplomatic staff to perform their functions safely. 'In light of the deteriorating situation, following consultation with my officials and in close consultation and co-ordination with EU partners, I have decided to temporarily relocate our personnel from Tehran.' Advertisement Mr Harris said the decision was not taken lightly, adding that arrangements have been made for the embassy to continue its operations from Dublin. Due to the deteriorating situation in Iran, I've decided to temporarily bring our diplomats home from Tehran. The safety of our Embassy staff is paramount. Operations will continue from Dublin. Grateful to Ambassador Laoise Moore and team for their service. — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 20, 2025 Staff at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters have assumed the embassy's consular functions and remain in contact with the 'small number of Irish citizens remaining in Iran'. Mr Harris said the arrangements will continue until it is possible for Irish personnel to return to Iran. He said: 'I would like to thank ambassador Laoise Moore and her team for their professionalism and public service operating under very challenging circumstances.' Advertisement The department's travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran. Citizens who live there and who wish to leave are advised to consider departing through one of the land borders that is open, as long as it remains safe to do so. Mr Harris said those who may be concerned about the wellbeing of friends or family located in Iran can contact the consular team at +353 (0)1 408 2527 (or +353 (0)1 408 2000 out of hours). He added: 'My hope is that a diplomatic solution can be found to resolve this conflict, without further escalation or further loss of life in Iran or in Israel. Advertisement 'I continue to call for restraint and de-escalation by both Israel and Iran.' Mr Harris will discuss the latest developments in the conflict at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday.
Irish Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Irish embassy in Tehran closed due to ‘deteriorating situation'
The Irish embassy in Tehran, Iran has been temporarily closed with staff being relocated to Ireland amid a 'deteriorating situation'. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said he had become 'increasingly concerned' about environment in which the embassy was functioning and the ability of diplomatic staff to work safely. 'It is in light of the deteriorating situation, following consultation with my officials and in very close consultation and co-ordination with EU partners, I have now decided to temporarily relocate our personnel from Tehran,' he said. Mr Harris said the relocation of staff was 'not a decision that I have taken lightly.' READ MORE 'Arrangements have been made for the embassy to continue its operations from our Dublin headquarters. Staff at my department's headquarters have now assumed the embassy's consular functions, and they remain in contact with the small number of Irish citizens remaining in Iran,' he said. The arrangements will continue until it is possible and safe for personnel to return to Iran, he said, and thanked ambassador to Iran, Laoise Moore and her staff for operating under 'very, very challenging circumstances.' Mr Harris reiterated advice that Irish citizens should not to travel to Iran or Israel. 'Citizens who live there and who wish to leave might consider departing through one of the land borders that is open as long as it is safe to do so,' he said. Mr Harris said he will continue to monitor the situation in the region and will be engaging with EU counterparts. 'My hope is that a diplomatic solution can be found to resolve this very dangerous conflict without further escalation or further loss of life in Iran or Israel,' he added.
