Irish citizens in Iran and Israel tell embassies they would like to be evacuated

Simon Harris said that in both Tehran and Tel Aviv, a number of people have indicated that 'should evacuation options become available, they’d like to be considered to avail of them'

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv. Picture: AP Photo/Leo Correa

Irish citizens living in Iran and Israel have told local embassies that they would like to be evacuated if possible, Tánaiste Simon Harris has said.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Harris confirmed Ireland’s embassy in Tehran has been in touch with 30 Irish citizens living in the country, with many being long-term residents of Iran.

He added that there are 200 people registered with Ireland’s embassy in Tel Aviv.

“In both Tehran and Tel Aviv, a number of people, a relatively small number, have indicated that should evacuation options become available, they’d like to be considered to avail of them,” Mr Harris said.

It comes as Mr Harris is attending an emergency virtual meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council this morning, which is due to focus on Europe’s response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

“I think it’s so important that Europe today considers how we can much better coordinate in terms of how we get our citizens out of Israel and out of Iran, if and when it is safe to do so, or if and when routes become available.

“None of this is easy. The airspace is closed and land borders can be treacherous, but the wellbeing and safety of European, and particularly from my perspective, Irish citizens in Israel and Iran, has to be a priority for the meeting.”

Iran said at least 224 people had been killed in the country since strikes began on Friday, while Israeli officials said 24 people had been killed and more than 500 injured.

The back-and-forth between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about all-out war between the rival nations.

The latest conflict kicked off on Friday, when Israel launched an attack on top Iranian military leaders and the country’s nuclear programme.

Iran retaliated by firing waves of missiles at Israel.