Ireland and its European Union colleagues must not be dragged into US war games, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“Rather than engaging in high level diplomatic channels to lower the risk of violence and war, the US has chosen a tactic of escalation, bringing the Middle East, an already fragile and unstable region, into a state of further volatility.
“Chancellor Merz stating that there is no reason to criticise the US is astonishing and reckless – no state or government should be backing actions which risk bringing the international community further into war.
“While the US leaves destruction in its wake across the Middle East, Israel continues its campaign of terror in Gaza and the West Bank – Benjamin Netanyahu’s terror state is only too happy to commit genocide in the shadow of international discord.
“Ireland must stand up on the European stage and urge the likes of Chancellor Merz to push for peace, not justify the proliferation of war – the EU was founded as an institution for peace, and it’s past time it returns to playing that role.
“This situation harks back to US foreign policy overreaches which resulted in catastrophic losses of life – we must not allow history to repeat itself.
“The US must commit to negotiating with Iran to find a peaceful solution for the region – violence and military escalation is not the answer.
“Ireland must do all in its power to promote peaceful diplomacy and dialogue at the EU level – holding the US to account for its actions is a necessary part of that process.”
June 23rd, 2025