IRISH CITIZENS IN the Gulf and wider Middle East have been advised to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel following a sharp escalation in conflict across the region.

The warning comes after the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran, including an attack on a school in the country’s south that Iranian authorities say killed more than 100 people.

Iranian State media also confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in the strikes yesterday.

Iran has since launched retaliatory missile attacks on US military bases and targets across the Gulf, prompting widespread airspace closures and major disruption to international air travel.

In a statement yesterday evening, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said she had been briefed by her department’s crisis centre and acknowledged the “anxiety and concerns of Irish citizens across the region”.

“Our advice at this time to citizens in the region is to shelter in place. You should follow the directions of the local authorities and advice issued on social media by the Irish Embassy to your country of residence,” McEntee said.

The minister confirmed she will join European counterparts at an emergency meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council this morning.

“Our travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran. We also advise against travel to Israel,” she added.

Rescue workers and military personnel survey the scene of a direct hit a day after an Iranian missile struck in Tel Aviv, Israel. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The Department of Foreign Affairs said its crisis centre has been in extensive contact with Irish citizens and their families, including residents and holidaymakers, and is coordinating assistance through EU consular mechanisms.

Dublin Airport has warned of further cancellations and delays as airlines suspend services to and through the Middle East.

Emirates cancelled two flights from Dublin to Dubai on Saturday, while a third service was forced to return mid-journey.

Qatar Airways cancelled all remaining Saturday services between Dublin and Doha and has confirmed its full Sunday schedule is also suspended.

Further disruption is expected, with airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad and Air India announcing suspensions or rerouting of flights.

Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that nearly a quarter of scheduled inbound flights to the Middle East were cancelled yesterday, with hundreds more cancellations already confirmed for today.

Globally, more than 19,000 flights have been delayed, according to tracking website FlightAware.

Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all announced at least partial airspace closures.

In light of the current security situation, Irish citizens are advised that they should not travel to the Gulf Region until further notice.

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Four people were injured at a terminal in Dubai International Airport yesterday following an “incident”, according to a spokesperson, who did not give further details.

McEntee urged Irish citizens planning to travel to or through the region to contact their airline or travel agent immediately and to rely only on official sources for updates.

Citizens with concerns can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs’ consular team in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000, while those in the region are advised to contact their local Irish embassy.