Iran Attacks Gulf: Irish Citizens Seek Evacuation Route

Iran expanded the scope of its drone and missile strikes on U.S. allies across the Gulf on Tuesday, as U.S. President Donald Trump and leading White House officials offered conflicting accounts regarding involvement in the conflict, which has killed an estimated 800 people. Between 1,500 and 2,000 Irish citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar due to flight cancellations have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs seeking repatriation.

Irish Citizens Stranded, Government Response

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said Tuesday night that the Government was finalizing a charter flight departing from Oman in the coming days, pending security conditions. The flight would prioritize vulnerable Irish citizens and those not resident in the Gulf, with an expected capacity of 250 to 300 passengers.

Conflicting U.S. Messaging

The strategy of the U.S. administration remains unclear. Trump stated, “I might have forced Israel’s hand,” contradicting Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier assertion that the U.S. took pre-emptive defensive action in joining an Israeli-led assault.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump announced he had ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Spain due to their refusal to allow the use of air bases. He also criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating, “This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with.”

Escalation of Conflict

As Israel confirmed new strikes against officials in Tehran and intensified attacks on Hizbullah in southern Lebanon, at least five countries in the region reported drone and missile attacks from Iran. The U.S. announced the closure of its embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Oil and energy prices rose sharply, while stock and bond markets declined.

Regime Change Discussions

Regarding potential regime change in Iran, Trump was non-committal about a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial attacks. “Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said. “Now we have another group, they may be dead also, based on reports. So, you have a third wave coming. Pretty soon we’re not going to know anybody.” He expressed skepticism about the return of exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, suggesting “someone from within might be more appropriate.”

McEntee expects Taoiseach Micheál Martin to raise Ireland’s concerns about the U.S.-Israeli action when he meets Trump at the White House later this month. She also stated that no U.S. military aircraft connected to the conflict have passed through Shannon Airport since last weekend.

Late Tuesday night, the Israel Defense Forces announced a new “wave of extensive strikes against launch sites, defense systems, and additional infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime.” Trump said the U.S. government would provide insurance to tankers in the Gulf region and its navy would escort them through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. The Strait of Hormuz – crucial to global trade – was declared closed by Iranian authorities.