22 June 2025
Speaking after confirmation that the United States attacked several nuclear sites in Iran overnight, Colum Eastwood MP said:
“Like many others I was shocked last night to read that the United States had launched an attack on three nuclear sites in Iran. These attacks, which appear to have no basis in international law, have clearly escalated an already volatile situation and bring us another step closer to a multi-lateral conflict, the cost of which will be measured in human lives and suffering.
“The primacy of diplomacy, dialogue and negotiation is being supplanted by a rush to military might by leaders who see political benefit in conflict. That is an extremely dangerous development for the international order but more importantly for millions of people across the middle east who want to live in peace.
“As an island that has been an example to the world in recent times of the power of peace and the politics of compromise, Ireland has an obligation to use the full breadth of our influence with our friends and allies to avert a catastrophic conflict. That will mean speaking hard truths to our friends, it will mean spending political capital in the pursuit of de-escalation but it will be worth it.
“I welcome that Tánaiste Simon Harris will meet with European Foreign Ministers today in Brussels to coordinate a response to this evolving situation. I have every faith that Ireland’s voice will be heard, our values will be shared and that others will join a coalition for peace.
“I am troubled by the immediate reaction of some world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Tacit endorsement of the United States’ attack on nuclear facilities will embolden the administration’s reckless behaviour. This is a moment to underscore the importance of negotiation and be honest with allies about the consequences of military action.
“I am also keenly aware that a genocide continues to rage in Gaza where tens of thousands of civilians, many of them women and children, have been murdered while many more face starvation. Our focus cannot be diverted from the urgent need to challenge Netanyahu’s regime and to bring an end to these war crimes.”