Irish politicians have reacted strongly to the recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressing deep concern over the potential for further escalation and wider conflict in the Middle East. Martin stated that the situation in the region must be resolved through diplomacy and international law, emphasizing the need for restraint and de-escalation.

Statements from Irish Leaders

Martin, in a statement issued on Saturday, said he is ‘deeply concerned’ by the developments in Iran and the ‘real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region.’ He urged all parties to ‘exercise restraint and to work to avoid that outcome,’ adding that ‘conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiation, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.’

Martin also highlighted the importance of protecting civilian lives in Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries, stating that ‘there can be no question but that the regime in Iran is a brutal and repressive one.’ He emphasized that Ireland has always opposed Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons and has supported international efforts to ensure Iran’s compliance with international law.

Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister’s Response

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee expressed her concern over the US-Israeli attack on Iran, stating that she is ‘deeply concerned that the US and Israel have decided to launch widespread armed conflict against Iran at this time.’ She also called for de-escalation, urging all sides to work towards reducing tensions in the region.

McEntee advised Irish citizens not to travel to Iran or Israel at this time and said that those already in the region should ‘shelter in place’ and follow the directions of local authorities and the Irish embassy. She noted that there are a small number of Irish citizens in Iran, most of whom have been resident in the country for many years.

McEntee also stated that Ireland will remain in close contact with EU and international partners as the situation continues to evolve, adding that embassies in the region are actively engaged in supporting affected Irish citizens.

Concerns from Opposition and Other Political Figures

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy called on the Taoiseach to condemn the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, stating that the attacks are ‘unprovoked’ and have ‘no justification.’ He also urged Martin to cancel his upcoming visit to the White House, saying it would be ‘a travesty and a national embarrassment’ to use St. Patrick’s Day to ‘whitewash Trump and his wars of aggression.’

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews condemned the attack as ‘against all international law,’ stating that such strikes are only legal when there is a ‘clear and imminent threat.’ He criticized both the Trump administration for tearing up the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for ‘pushing for this bombing for decades.’

Labor’s foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith expressed ‘grave concern’ over the strikes, noting that they originated from the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama. He argued that ensuring Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons should be achieved through ‘negotiation, the strong application of the IAEA inspections, and the broader non-proliferation regime.’

Smith also warned that the pre-emptive strikes risked a ‘new long-term war in the Middle East’ and called for an emergency meeting of EU leaders to de-escalate the conflict. He urged the Irish government to work with European allies to ‘ensure that Europe works to de-escalate this conflict.’

The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed that personnel in missions across the Middle East, including UNDOF, UNIFIL, and UNTSO, are well and accounted for. They stated that they are continuing to monitor the situation and remain committed to completing their mandated tasks.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, with many hoping for a return to diplomacy and negotiation to resolve the tensions in the region.