Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) updated its security status for both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to "high degree of caution" on Monday, June 23, in light of reported missile strikes in Doha.
"We continue to monitor ongoing regional tensions," the DFA said in its updated travel advice for Qatar on Monday night.
"Please exercise caution, monitor local and international media, follow the advice of local authorities, and observe any additional security measures imposed during this time.
"Continuing airport disruptions are anticipated. Please contact your airline for relevant updates prior to travel."
Earlier on Monday evening, the DFA said it was advising all Irish citizens to shelter in place following the reported missile strikes near Doha.
In its travel update for the UAE, Ireland's DFA said on Monday night: "Airport disruptions are anticipated. Please contact your airline for relevant updates prior to travel.
"The Embassy of Ireland, Abu Dhabi is closely monitoring the current regional situation and advises that Irish citizens exercise heightened caution.
"Please follow the instructions of local authorities."
Irish citizens are encouraged to follow the social media accounts of the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi for the latest updates - Facebook, X, Instagram.
For urgent consular assistance, the Irish Consulate in Abu Dhabi can be contacted at +971 495 8200 or embassy.abudhabi@dfa.
Irish citizens abroad are encouraged to register online at CitizensRegistration.dfa.ie
Following reports of missile strikes near Doha, we advise all Irish citizens to shelter in place.
Please exercise caution, monitor local and international media, follow the advice of local authorities, and observe any additional security measures imposed during this time.
— Irish Embassy UAE (@IrelandEmbUAE) June 23, 2025
"Iran has officially responded"
According to the Associated Press, Iran fired missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday night. One of the missiles impacted the facilities, but there were no casualties.
Responding, US President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform: "Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered. There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was 'set free,' because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE. I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
The Associated Press noted that Iran said 19 missiles were fired, differing from Trump's statement that 14 were fired.
Ahead of the attack, Qatar had shut its airspace as part of a "series of precautionary measures taken in response to recent developments in the region."
Monday night's attack comes the day after the US Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert advising US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.
"The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East," the alert said.
"There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad.
"The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution."
"Spiral of escalation"
Meanwhile, Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Harris was in Brussels on Monday for a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
He said the continuing conflict between Israel and Iran, including the US military action on nuclear sites in Iran, was discussed.
"Iran’s attacks this evening on the US Airbase in Qatar and reports of an attack against US forces in Iraq are a worrying example of the spiral of escalation we fear," the Tánaiste said in a statement after the meeting.
"This morning, I held talks with the Prime Minister of Qatar and I know he was working intensively to try and help bring about de-escalation."
Harris said there was "a united call for restraint and de-escalation by all involved and for a return to diplomacy and dialogue" during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
"We are all agreed that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but this must be achieved through negotiation," Harris said, adding, "The EU is making a positive contribution by keeping channels of communication with Iran open."
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