Latest update on the situation in the Middle East

 
We all are all deeply concerned about the escalating conflict in the Gulf region following US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iranian military action in response. The situation is fast moving and unpredictable. At the heart of this Government's concerns are Irish citizens either transitioning through the area or living there, and indeed families at home who are deeply concerned about their loved ones.
 
I am in close contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, who are closely monitoring the situation and officials, including officials in Embassies across the region, stands ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance to all Irish citizens that need it.
 
The security situation in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, and across the wider Gulf region, remains volatile following continuing and widespread missile and drone attacks. A large number of Irish citizens are already registered on our citizens’ registration platform, with more than 15,000 registering since the weekend.
 
We continue to advise Irish citizens living in, visiting, or transiting through the region to register with the Department via our Citizens Registration facility, available on www.citizenregistration.dfa.ie if they have not already done so.
 
Citizens are advised against all travel to Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon. Citizens are also advised against non-essential travel to the Gulf (Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia).
 
We understand that a limited number of flights are departing Abu Dhabi Zayed and Dubai International airports.  We understand that those flights are focused on those stranded in transit, and airlines are in direct contact with those eligible to travel. We are encouraging those offered a flight to take it.
 
We are maintaining close contact with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We are in ongoing contact with our EU and other partners around all possible options to support citizens.
 
As part of contingency planning, we are exploring broader options to support citizens, including around the feasibility of charter flights, should commercial flights remain limited. Given the unstable security situation, we strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than essential journeys, to remain vigilant, to monitor developments and media, and to follow advice from local authorities on the ground, including when this is to shelter in place.
 
Citizens with queries or concerns are being asked to contact the Consular Crisis team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000. Citizens in the region should contact their local embassy. We are encouraging citizens to monitor the Ireland.ie travel advice pages and X accounts, as well as their local embassy’s social media channels.
 
Our Travel Advice to various countries, we are keeping these advisories under close review. I know this is a worrying time for families and individuals in our area and across the country, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office if you require further assistance or information.