Tánaiste Simon Harris confirms 15 Irish citizens evacuated from Israel and 3 from Iran

Tánaiste Simon Harris confirms that 15 Irish citizens have been evacuated from Israel and 3 Irish citizens have departed Iran overnight.

This comes following an escalation of attacks and tensions in the Middle East last week.

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The Tánaiste in a statement yesterday evening wrote:

"I am pleased to confirm that a group of 15 Irish citizens and dependents were assisted to depart Israel today. The individuals concerned departed in operations organised by an EU partner and they are expected to arrive in Ireland in the coming days."

He also "thanked" the Government of Austria for their close cooperation that resulted in the evacuation.

In the statement he also advised Irish citizens still in the Middle East:

"We continue to advise 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."

The Tánaiste also details a call he had with Iran's foreign minster which he writes:

"In that regard, I spoke this afternoon by phone with Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. This followed my calls with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt in recent days.

During the call, 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.

I stressed the importance of Iran engaging in formal processes to de-escalate and said there is eagerness on the part of the EU and the E3 countries to be helpful in relation to these processes and to remain engaged in dialogue at this key time."

On his X account this morning, Simon Harris updates:

"I am pleased to confirm that three Irish citizens and their dependents have safely departed Iran overnight and are now en route home."