I am deeply concerned about the hostile relationship between Israel and Iran and I have had an opportunity to discuss this at two meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council in a week, on Tuesday 17 June and Monday 23 June. I welcome President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire and I hope both sides adhere to it.
At those meetings, I outlined Ireland’s position on the need for urgent de-escalation by both sides and the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve this crisis. I highlighted our concern about the disproportionate impact on civilians, that targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure by either side is a violation of International Humanitarian Law, and the potential risks of radiation leakage from attacks on nuclear facilities. Ireland, among other EU partners, called for coherent and consistent messaging from the EU including on breaches of International Humanitarian Law.
The hostilities between Israel and Iran is very concerning. Ireland had welcomed the previous US-Iran talks on the nuclear issue as the way to address Iran’s nuclear programme and concerns about nuclear proliferation. Ireland has a long-standing position in support of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. This can best be ensured in a framework consistent with the IAEA and the NPT Treaty. We hope a durable ceasefire will allow the resumption of negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme and will lead to a more general peace in the region..
EU partners are in agreement that there is an urgent need for this return to negotiations to happen. It has long been agreed that Iran should not be able to develop a nuclear device, but this should be pursued through diplomacy and negotiation. It was encouraging that EU High Representative Kallas, together with the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom met with the Foreign Minister of Iran in Geneva for talks on 20 June.
