Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris announced on Friday, June 20, that Irish personnel are being relocated from Tehran, the capital of Iran, back to Ireland.
"I have become increasingly concerned about the operational environment for our Embassy in Tehran, and the ability of our diplomatic staff to perform their functions safely," Harris said in a statement on Friday evening.
"In light of the deteriorating situation, following consultation with my officials and in close consultation and coordination with EU partners, I have decided to temporarily relocate our personnel from Tehran.
"This is not a decision that I have taken lightly.
"Arrangements have been made for the Embassy to continue its operations from Dublin. Staff at my Department’s headquarters have assumed the Embassy’s consular functions and remain in contact with the small number of Irish citizens remaining in Iran. These arrangements will continue until it is possible for our personnel to return to Iran.
"I would like to thank Ambassador Laoise Moore and her team for their professionalism and public service operating under very challenging circumstances."
Harris added: "My hope is that a diplomatic solution can be found to resolve this conflict, without further escalation or further loss of life in Iran or in Israel.
"I continue to call for restraint and de-escalation by both Israel and Iran.
"I will discuss latest developments with my EU counterparts in Brussels on Monday."
Due to the deteriorating situation in Iran, I’ve decided to temporarily bring our diplomats home from Tehran. The safety of our Embassy staff is paramount. Operations will continue from Dublin. Grateful to Ambassador Laoise Moore and team for their service. pic.twitter.com/eRtMSQAJhC
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 20, 2025
The travel advice from Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran, or Israel.
Irish citizens who live in Iran who wish to leave should consider "departing through one of the land borders that is open, as long as it remains safe to do so."
The DFA is encouraging Irish citizens in Iran and Israel to register online at CitizensRegistration.dfa.ie/ to help Ireland's Embassies "know of your current whereabouts and keep you updated on important developments."
The DFA said that those who may be concerned about friends or family in Iran can contact Ireland's consular team at +353 (0)1 408 2527 (or +353 (0)1 408 2000 out of hours).
📢 In light of the current situation, Irish citizens in Iran or Israel are reminded to register now at https://t.co/w4cUbkKOvs.
This helps our Embassies know of your current whereabouts and keep you updated on important developments.
— DFATravelWise (@dfatravelwise) June 20, 2025
The update regarding Irish personnel in Tehran comes the day after the Tánaiste said that the situation in the Middle East remains "extraordinarily dangerous," and thanked diplomats "on the ground" in Tehran and Tel Aviv for their "excellent work."
The Tánaiste added: "At an EU level, we have activated the Civil Protection Mechanism. This means that Ireland is now working with other European countries to provide evacuation opportunities where it's safe and possible to do so."
I am asking all Irish citizens in the region to register their presence and keep in close contact with their closest embassy.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 19, 2025
Later on Thursday, the Tánaiste spoke with Jordanian FM Ayman Safadi and Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
The ministers discussed "the crisis between Iran and Israel and the urgent need for de-escalation and diplomacy," as well as "the need to maintain international focus on the deplorable situation in Gaza and the West Bank."
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