The Irish Embassy in the UAE has published new advice for the estimated 12,000 Irish nationals residing in the country.

In an address, US President Donald Trump said the US military began "major combat operations" in Iran, stating the objective is to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime".

"It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon," he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also wrote on social media: "A short while ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran."

In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has fired missiles against US military bases across the Gulf region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Now, the Irish Embassy in the UAE - which also covers Kuwait and Qatar - has issued the following advice:

"Given the deterioration of the security situation in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, Irish citizens are advised to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement.

"Follow the advice of the local authorities. Irish citizens are advised to avoid military and security force installations.

"The Embassy is also aware that UAE, Kuwaiti, and Qatari airspace has been temporarily closed. Citizens affected are advised to liaise directly with their airlines and follow the guidance provided. We will share any updates as more information becomes available.

"We will share further updates as more information becomes available.

"For Irish citizens affected and concerned family members, please contact the Duty Officer in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000."

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

The Irish embassy in Saudi Arabia - which also covers Bahrain, Oman and Yemen - has issued similar advice to Irish citizens in Bahrain.

"For further updates, please monitor DFAT’s travel advice and Embassy Riyadh’s twitter account," it states.

"Irish citizens in need of consular assistance should contact Embassy +966 11 407 1530."

The UAE is known for having a significant Irish expatriate community.

The Irish Government estimates that 12,000 Irish nationals reside in the country, making the UAE one of Ireland’s largest diasporas per capita.

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee has said she is "deeply concerned" that the US and Israel have decided to launch "widespread armed conflict" against Iran at this time.

The Minister added that she was "equally dismayed" at the Iranian response in recent hours.

"Further conflict is profoundly unhelpful and presents challenges which only make already deep divisions more dangerous and unstable and put more lives in the region at risk," Minister McEntee stated.

"I call on all sides to de-escalate. We hope also that other States in the region will exercise restraint - a wider conflict will increase regional instability."

The Minister said the Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens not to travel to Iran or Israel.

"There are a small number of Irish citizens in Iran, most of whom have been resident in the country for many years," she said.

"I fully understand the concerns of Irish citizens in the region, and the concerns of their families and friends in Ireland and around the world.

"Our embassies in the region are actively engaged to support Irish citizens who are affected.

"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.

"Our embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation and continuing to provide consular assistance.

"We would ask relatives and friends who have queries or concerns about family members in the region to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000."