The government has urged Irish citizens in the Middle East to register their presence after the US and Israel bombed Iran over the weekend.
Several hundred people registered on Ireland’s Citizen Registration platform on Saturday after the government issued a “shelter in place” order.
An EU official said that there were currently no plans for evacuations as happened in Afghanistan when the Taliban took over in 2021.
Nonetheless Cyprus has activated its emergency action plan “enabling the safe evacuation [if necessary] of EU and third-country nationals from nearby crisis areas in the wider Middle East via Cyprus.”
This morning, Cyprus also confirmed it had itself been hit by a drone although there was “limited damage”.
After a video meeting with EU foreign ministers last night, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD said she was deeply concerned about the conflict in the Middle East and wider implications.
“The goal must be to quickly end this conflict and de-escalate the situation. I call on all partners to exercise restraint and to respect international law. This is a region that has seen too much conflict. We must do all we can to encourage a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy and to address legitimate international concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme, its destabilising influence in the region, its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and the repression of Iranian citizens by the authorities.
“Our priority is the safety of our citizens living in the region and those who have been caught up by flight disruptions as a result of the conflict. Ministers agreed on the importance of close cooperation and coordination among EU Member States on consular matters. My advice to Irish citizens caught up in this very difficult situation remains that they should shelter in place where they are and follow the guidance of local authorities. They should also follow the social media of Irish Embassies in the region as well as the Department.”
McEntee is also worried about the economic impacts of the conflict for Ireland. She is expected to meet with ministers and business leaders this morning.
Oil prices jumped following the attack as Iran threatened to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz.