Tánaiste Simon Harris has warned US President Donald Trump’s administration made an “unhelpful intervention” that “added a significant level of danger to an already volatile situation” by targeting Iran. Tensions in the Middle East reached a crisis point at the weekend when the US sent planes and submarines to attack sites linked to Iran’s nuclear programme, including Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. Tehran has threatened to retaliate, while President Trump has warned of further action if necessary. It comes amid increasing levels of violence between Israel and Iran. Israel initially launched strikes on Tehran, targeting the country’s nuclear programme. This has led to Israel and Iran exchanging strikes with one another. Speaking in Brussels at a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, the Tánaiste criticised the US decision to join the conflict. Mr Harris said: “I've been very clear in relation to international law around attacks on nuclear installations. There are international laws that say you shouldn't do this. “I'm also very clear, and I said very clearly, that actually the actions of the United States added a significant level of danger to an already volatile situation. “It was a very unhelpful intervention. “While there will be, I'm sure, different views and different perspectives, the reality is this the only way, I believe, to make progress in relation to this, to stop an already tinderbox type situation getting even worse, is to get back to a negotiated situation. “What has happened has now happened. It has added a huge layer of extra volatility and danger. “But what we now need to see is no further escalatory measures, and that really has to be where the focus of the European Union has to be and using every bit of influence we can use, individually and collectively, by continuing to engage constantly with counterparts in the region and with the United States to try and make sure there's no further escalatory actions.” Mr Harris stated that “nobody in the European Union wants to see Iran with a nuclear weapon” but that the best way to “keep people safe in the world” is through a negotiated settlement. Elsewhere, it was confirmed that three Irish citizens and their dependents were assisted to depart Iran overnight on Sunday. It follows the successful evacuation of 15 Irish citizens and their dependents from Israel on Sunday evening. Mr Harris urged any Irish citizen in Iran or Israel who wants to leave the region to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs. They have also been urged to register the fact that they are there. Separately, Mr Harris held talks with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, over the situation in the Middle East. It followed further phone calls between the Tánaiste and his counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.