The Middle East conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated, causing widespread concern and disruption. The Irish government is actively working to repatriate its citizens from the Gulf region, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee confirming a 'relatively low number' of Irish citizens have left the Middle East. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed the UN Security Council's paralysis for 'many years' and criticized the lack of action regarding the recent price hikes at the pumps, as Irish oil is sourced from the North Sea. The Israeli military has reported more air strikes in Beirut, while Hizbullah launched missiles at Israel for a second consecutive day. US President Donald Trump has stated that Operation Epic Fury could last 'four to five weeks'. Britain is considering sending a warship to defend its Royal Air Force base in Cyprus from Iranian attacks. All 16 flights scheduled between Dublin Airport and Middle Eastern airports have been canceled. The situation has led to a global oil and gas price jump, with Iraq facing potential oil production cuts if tankers cannot move freely through the Strait of Hormuz. Strikes have hit an Iranian assembly building, and the Israeli military has ordered Iranian civilians to leave areas near Tehran. At least 40 people have been killed and 246 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon. The opposition is divided on the Taoiseach's participation in the traditional St. Patrick's Day event with President Trump. The Social Democrats' foreign affairs spokeswoman, Patricia Stephenson, suggests the visit should proceed with a focus on calling out the US and Israeli attacks, which she deems a breach of international law. The opposition is also concerned about 'price gouging' on home heating oil, with the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, acknowledging a significant increase in energy prices. The UN human rights office has urged an investigation into an attack on a girls' school in Iran. The US and Israel continue their assault on Iran, with conflicting messages about the war's duration. The US has ordered non-emergency staff to leave Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq. China has called for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and the International Monetary Fund has noted disruptions to trade and economic activity, energy price surges, and financial market volatility in the Middle East.
