The EU has activated its civil defense mechanism to assist member states in evacuating citizens from the Middle East, as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its fifth day.
After a video conference involving 27 EU foreign ministers this morning, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated: “Some member states have planes ready to evacuate citizens, while others do not. We are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris, who took part in the meeting, noted that a few Irish citizens in Tel Aviv and Tehran expressed interest in evacuation should orders be issued.
He confirmed he has been in contact with the embassies in both Iran, which has 30 registered Irish citizens, and Israel, which has 200.
“It became clear that now, as the Iran and US discussions [regarding the nuclear program] have reached an impasse, Europe has a role to play,” she remarked.
“The European Union can and will contribute to reaching a diplomatic resolution. We are in communication with both Iran and Israel to genuinely de-escalate the situation, as stability in the region is a common interest.”
Kaja Kallas expressed concern that the conflict could escalate beyond its current scope.
“That’s why we are also engaging with regional partners. They are highly concerned about the potential spillover effects and rising tensions in the area, and we are eager to collaborate with them.”
Ms. Kallas highlighted a collective agreement among the 27 EU foreign ministers that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. However, she recognized differing opinions regarding Iran’s right to advance a nuclear program for civilian use, particularly in relation to the United States.
“There was a unified call for all parties to respect international law, show restraint, and refrain from actions that could escalate the conflict. We all acknowledged the urgent necessity for de-escalation. Iran cannot possess a nuclear bomb, and diplomacy is essential to prevent it.”
She also cautioned against the U.S. becoming involved in the conflict.
“If the United States gets drawn in, it would certainly widen the conflict in the region, which serves no one’s interests. From my conversation with Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio, he emphasized that it is not in their interests to become involved in this conflict.”
