Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement with Iran in relation to its continued military support for Russia's war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50162/23]
View answerThe European Union has made clear its concerns about Iran's supply of military equipment to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. These concerns were expressed most recently in the Conclusions of the European Council in October. They have also been raised in the context of discussions with Iran about certain EU sanctions in the military sector.
The Iranian Government is well aware of these concerns. Senior officials in my Department have engaged with Iranian counterparts on this question. Iran claims that Iranian weapons used by Russia in Ukraine were bought by Russia prior to its invasion of Ukraine. I am not confident that this is the case.
In recent weeks I have spoken twice to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in relation to the crisis in Gaza. I spoke to him of the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, of avoiding any escalation of the conflict around the region, and of humanitarian issues, particularly the release of hostages.
