Ireland stresses 'urgent' need for de-escalation after US strikes on nuclear facilities

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Ireland’s taoiseach (prime minister) on Monday called for de-escalation and dialogue in the Middle East following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

“There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue & diplomacy in the Middle East,” Micheal Martin wrote on X.

Saying that a negotiated solution is the way forward, he noted that Ireland remains in close contact with international partners ahead of the EU Council meeting.

“Iran should unequivocally disavow the development of nuclear weapons,” Martin added.

Tensions further escalated after US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out “very successful” airstrikes on Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, amid growing fears of a broader conflict in the region.

Following the US strikes, Iran called on the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to condemn the US attacks and hold accountable those who violate international law.

Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since then.

Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.