The Prime Minister has staunchly advocated for the resurrected Embassy in Iran, despite rising tensions between Iran and Israel culminating in missile attacks on each other’s territories. According to Simon Harris, although staff security at the Irish Embassy is a top priority, persistent diplomatic ties with Iran cannot be underestimated. “The welfare of any diplomatic or local workforce, undoubtedly, affects the timing, location, and security of a physical building,” he stated.
Despite initial attacks in Beirut, Keir Starmer’s Labour government has encountered a rapid decline in popularity after the first 100 days of what was deemed a ‘successful start. Furthermore, Spain is facing conflicts with its old colonies as Hispanic Day festivities approach. Under four weeks from the deadline, the democratic movement is uneasy as Kamala Harris is losing popularity.
The Irish Embassy in Tehran, which shut its doors in 2012 due to the monetary crisis, was revived in 2021 by then-foreign Minister Simon Coveney. That same year, a charge d’affaires, followed by other personnel, were deployed to Tehran. However, despite arriving in the city the previous month, the proposed Ambassador, Laoise Moore, is yet to receive a formal date to share her qualifications with Iranian officials.
The Department of Foreign Affairs emphasises that waiting several weeks or even months for such a date is customary. They point out that it doesn’t interfere with the Ambassador-designate’s ongoing duties. Despite this, the date for the presentation of Laoise Moore’s credentials in Tehran remains unspecified. The department stated that the full team is present and the embassy is in operation.
In November 2022, several parliament members of Fine Gael urged the erstwhile foreign affairs minister, Simon Coveney, to delay or cancel the re-opening of the Tehran-based Irish Embassy. This appeal followed the demise of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Tehran, who was arrested for improper hijab-wearing by morality police. Mr Coveney noted back then that there was no rush to re-open the embassy, stating that the matter was still “under review.”
Mr Harris stated that there’s a common misunderstanding that Ireland is just beginning to form diplomatic ties with Iran. He emphasised that these ties were already present and that the next step is to establish the necessary groundwork, with the situation’s security aspect being a key factor to consider.
The Taoiseach noted the role of these relations in the liberation of an Irish citizen, as an important aspect. Bernard Phelan, a 64-year-old dual citizen of Ireland and France, who hails from Clonmel in Co Tipperary, found himself incarcerated for seven months in northeastern Iran following his arrest in Mashhad in October 2022. He stood accused of supplying information to a rival nation – allegations he rejected. His imprisonment was marked by severe health problems. Mr Phelan was granted release on compassionate grounds earlier this year.
Further, Mr Harris highlighted that maintaining diplomatic relations doesn’t equate to supporting a country’s actions. He illustrated the point with Russia and Israel, stressing that Ireland condemns Russia’s deeds and he personally views Israel as perpetuating a child-targeting conflict in Gaza. He affirmed that a country can uphold diplomatic relations whilst simultaneously critiquing that country’s conduct.
Presently, the Irish Embassy operates from space in the German embassy but planning is under way to inaugurate a new location at the start of next year. – PA