Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2026
21. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the international engagement undertaken since the American and Israeli war on Iran from a point of view of the impact of the war on the price of critical goods including oil. [68202/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra76. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the war in Iran and the Gulf region. [69248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 76 together.
I am very concerned by the resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States, following the expiry of the negotiating period provided for under the 17 June Memorandum of Understanding. Ireland has consistently maintained that the best way forward is a return by both sides to meaningful, good-faith negotiations aimed at restoring regional peace and stability.
I have remained in contact with my counterparts on the confict in the Gulf, including during High Level Week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. The situation in the region was also discussed at the EU informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Wicklow in September. Last week, in New York, I joined over 80 countries in issuing a statement condemning Iran's continued attacks on its neighbours and on international shipping.
Attacks by Iran risk further undermining regional stability. Ireland calls on all parties to exercise restraint and uphold international law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Any loss of civilian life through conflict is unacceptable and must be avoided. We extend our sympathy to the families of those who have lost loved ones.
The security of international shipping lanes is essential to the prosperity and security of all states. Ireland remains firmly committed to international law, including the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provide the framework for safe and open maritime navigation. Freedom of navigation is a global public good. Iran must cease attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and restore safe transit passage through this vital international waterway. Any attempt to obstruct international navigation by force or impose unlawful restrictions on transit is unacceptable.
I am also deeply concerned by the worsening conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Ireland condemns attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia and threats to international shipping in the Red Sea. We continue to support the efforts of UN Special Representative Hans Grundberg to secure a lasting resolution to this conflict.
Disruption to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz has demonstrated how instability in one region can have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. The effects have been felt internationally, including in Ireland, through higher energy costs affecting households and businesses. The Government has taken steps to mitigate these impacts. Impacts on global food and fertiliser supply chains, including price rises and availability, may also deepen humanitarian need in fragile contexts. Any prolonged disruption as a result of Houthi activity in the Bab al-Mandab strait, at the southern entry to the Red Sea, carries similar risks.
It is in the collective interest of all states to protect maritime security and strengthen international cooperation against these threats. Ireland will continue to engage with partners on an end to the conflict and on mitigating its global impacts. Alongside this, we will continue to raise our serious concerns with Iran in our bilateral engagement, on this conflict, on Iran's malign role in the region, and on its nuclear programme, alongside our long-standing concerns on Iran's appalling human rights record.
