Simon Harris says there is 'urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy' amid growing fears of a wider conflict involving Iran and Israel
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris on Sunday warned of a “very real” risk of spiraling escalation in the Middle East after US military strikes targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran.
In a statement, Harris said there is an “urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” amid growing fears of a wider conflict involving Iran and Israel.
He confirmed he would travel to Brussels later Sunday for an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers, adding that Europe remains united in the view that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
Citing a warning from the International Atomic Energy Agency, Harris noted there had been no initial reports of radiation leaks, but described the situation as highly volatile and potentially disastrous.
He also expressed concern for Irish peacekeeping troops stationed in southern Lebanon, saying their safety was “of paramount importance,” and confirmed that Irish Embassy staff had left Tehran on Friday.
The situation in the region further deteriorated after US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, amid growing fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Following the US strikes, Iran called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to condemn the US aggression and to hold accountable those who violate international law.
Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.
