Irish premier Micheal Martin has condemned US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Age where it belongs' as 'unacceptable'. The Taoiseach said the citizens of Iran and the Middle East need the conflict to end, warning that a prolonged war would have 'very significant impacts' on the world economy.
Speaking to Newstalk radio, Mr Martin stressed that civilians in Iran have 'no act or part' in the war and must be protected. 'That's unacceptable. Every person involved in war has to prioritise civilian protection and innocent civilians,' he said. He added that while the Iranian regime is oppressive, the war is causing death and destruction to innocent people.
Mr Martin also addressed the energy crisis caused by the conflict, stating that the Irish government is not considering fuel rationing 'at this stage' and is keeping some financial 'firepower' for later in the year. He said a targeted approach to state supports is preferable to fuel capping, which he described as an 'endless sort of commitment'.
Regarding Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon, the Taoiseach called it 'wholly disproportionate' to Hezbollah's attacks. He warned that withdrawing over 360 Irish peacekeepers would have 'very very serious' consequences, as their presence helps limit the scale of Israeli attacks in the region.
