The Taoiseach has welcomed a US initiative to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking as he arrived at a European summit in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, Micheál Martin said: “Anything that helps ease the blockade is to be welcomed and I do note indications that back-channel efforts are under way between Iran and the United States.
“It’s vital that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened for the global economy and for people across the region, so I welcome what appear to be early steps in a positive direction.
“I would encourage all sides to engage more actively in dialogue to secure a lasting end to hostilities in the region,”, reports RTE.
Mr Martin is set to hold bilateral discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swiss President Guy Parmelin on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) summit.
The Taoiseach said Ireland should “seriously consider” energy options such as nuclear power in light of the climate impact of fossil fuels and the current energy crisis linked to the Iran conflict, reports RTE.
“We should explore all possibilities,” he told reporters. “Over the past 50 years, we have seen recurring periods of instability and energy insecurity due to our heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels…
“But we should certainly examine options like nuclear energy, particularly in terms of technological advancements that have taken place.”
He added that Ireland has made “very significant” progress in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind, with planning approvals and auctions under way for offshore wind projects that he said would place the country in a strong position by the early 2030s, reports RTE.
The eighth European Political Community summit marks the first time EU leaders have convened in the South Caucasus.
Discussions at the summit are expected to focus heavily on the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, reports RTE.
Given the proximity of the conflict, the situation in the Gulf and the related energy crisis are likely to feature prominently as around 48 European leaders engage in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings.
These discussions will centre on themes such as democratic resilience, hybrid threats, connectivity, economic security and the green transition, reports RTE.
Mr Carney is the first non-European leader to attend the summit.
There is an increasing alignment between Canada and the EU on geopolitical challenges, particularly amid tensions with the Trump administration, reports RTE.
The Taoiseach will also take part in a meeting focused on support for Moldova, along with a number of bilateral engagements addressing issues such as cross-border crime and drug trafficking.
Mr Martin also said the Government would work closely with the Ukrainian community in Ireland regarding the phased withdrawal of housing supports, noting the broader economic impact of large-scale emigration from Ukraine, reports RTE.
He said: “We are changing course. Most people would accept that the use of commercial premises, such as hotels, was always intended as a short-term solution.
“No one expected the war to continue for five years. However, we will engage with the Ukrainian community in Ireland regarding the shift in approach signalled by the Cabinet subcommittee.”
He said more detailed proposals would be outlined in due course and that the transition would be gradual, reports RTE.
“Clearly, we needed to adjust our approach in terms of fairness and balance, and also in cooperation with the Ukrainian government, particularly in relation to its need for people to help rebuild its economy.
“That aspect — the significant number of people who have left Ukraine — has perhaps not been fully considered, despite its negative impact on the country’s economy.
“The initial response was very much an emergency one, focused on securing accommodation in hotels and in certain rural areas,”, reports RTE.
The next European Political Community summit is scheduled to take place in Dublin this November during Ireland’s EU Presidency, reports RTE.
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