Two groups of Irish citizens evacuated from Israel and Iran 

Israeli soldiers from the Home Front Command unit work at the site struck by an Iranian missile strike. Picture: AP Photo/Leo Correa

Two groups of Irish citizens have been evacuated from Israel and Iran on Tuesday, the Tánaiste has confirmed.

Simon Harris said three citizens were assisted to leave Israel this afternoon with the support of the Netherlands.

Earlier today, two citizens were supported in leaving Iran by the Irish Embassy in Ankara.

"The intensive work across our Embassies and Missions in the Middle East has continued today, with a further five Irish citizens assisted in leaving Israel and Iran," said Mr Harris.

He thanked embassy staff as well as the country's European partners for the assistance provided to date.

Amid the ongoing security crisis in the Middle East, Irish citizens are encouraged to monitor developments closely, follow the advice of local authorities and register with their embassy if they have not already done so.

The latest evacuations come as three Irish citizens and their dependents were assisted in leaving Iran on Sunday.

Last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advice for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with Irish citizens advised to exercise a high degree of caution.

Airport disruptions are anticipated and those travelling are advised to contact their airline for updates.

Mr Harris also convened a meeting of the Department’s Heads of Mission in the Middle East region on Tuesday, where he was briefed on the ongoing consular work to support citizens and their families.

It comes as US president Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was “in effect” on Tuesday, after expressing deep frustration with both sides for violating the agreement he brokered.

Israel earlier accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the truce was supposed to take effect. The Iranian military denied firing on Israel.

The conflict, now in its 12th day, began with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, saying it could not allow Tehran to develop atomic weapons – and that it feared the Islamic Republic was close. Iran has long maintained that its programme is peaceful.