Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine TG4 Entertainment Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Harris said called for diplomacy and peace in the Middle East.Alamy Stock Photo Ireland's reaction to the US bombing Iran: 'There is an urgent need for de-escalation' Simon Harris warned the risk of an “extremely dangerous spiral of escalation” in the Middle East is now “more real”. 8.56am, 22 Jun 2025 Share options LAST UPDATE 47 mins ago IRELAND HAS CALLED for an urgent de-escalation of tension and the use of diplomacy after the US bombed nuclear sites in Iran. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has warned that the risk of an “extremely dangerous spiral of escalation” in the Middle East is now “more real”, following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. Harris said there is an “urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the conflict. He added that he will discuss the issue tomorrow with his European counterparts in Brussels. His comments were echoed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Both Harris and Martin said that Iran needs to step away from any possible development of nuclear weapons. “A negotiated solution is the way forward,” Martin said in a statement. The government remains in contact with embassies in Israel and Iran. Staff in Tehran left the country on Friday and have since been working remotely. Roughly 200 and 30 Irish citizen are currently in Israel and Iran, respectively. Support for those who wish to leave remains in place, Harris said. US President Donald Trump announced “successful” strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, in a shock decision and major escalation in the war between Israel and Iran. Advertisement Israel launched its campaign against Iran two weeks ago over claims that the government there were developing nuclear weapons. Harris said while Ireland is “united in the clear view” that Iran should not possess such weapons, the issue should be settled through diplomacy. “Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the Middle East region and for global security,” he said this morning. Labour TD and party spokesperson for foreign affairs Duncan Smith said tomorrow’s Foreign Affairs Council of the EU meeting should maintain its focus on calling for a diplomatic solution, as well as debating the EU-Israel trade agreement. Iran, in response, has launched up to 30 missiles towards Israel this morning, targeting sites such as the Ben Gurion International Airport and military hubs. Three bombs made impact at residential sites in Israel, it has been reported. The Fine Gael leader welcomed initial reports that suggest there has not been an increase in off-site radiation levels as a result of the strikes on the facilities in Iran by the US last night. He added that US or other interventions in the future should use the reports as a “warning as to how easily that could change should further escalation occur, and the disaster that could pose.” Radiation leaks from Iran’s facilities, the Fordow site in particular, could pollute a radius of up to 50km, it has been estimated, and cause severe and reactive dust storms right across the Middle East. Global nuclear watchdog IAEA confirmed today that has been no increases in off-site radiation. An emergency meeting has been convened with the board of governors tomorrow. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Muiris O'Cearbhaill View 30 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Ireland's reaction to the US bombing Iran: 'There is an urgent need for de-escalation' ”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Ireland's reaction to the US bombing Iran: 'There is an urgent need for de-escalation' ”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion ireland's reaction Simon Harris News in 60 seconds US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran, a major escalation in the war between Israel and Iran 'There are many targets left': How Trump announced to the world that the US had bombed Iran Iran says US has 'blown up' any attempt to end the Israel-Iran conflict diplomatically 36 mins ago monitoring the situation No signs of radioactive contamination after US attack on Iran, says nuclear watchdog 50 mins ago Good Morning The 9 at 9: Sunday Iran targets 30 sites in Israel after US nuclear site strikes, including international airport 7 deadly reads Sitdown Sunday: 'How many?' The mysterious heist of 280,000 eggs from the US's biggest producer Sky's 'dodgy box' clamp down 'troubling' says surveillance expert US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran, a major escalation in the war between Israel and Iran International rugby experience JP McManus to address Limerick councillors over Rugby Expo 'gift' snub Where in Ireland is this summery scene? more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine TG4 Entertainment Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online