And another in a growing line who has ignored the international rule of law and the United Nations in pursuit of his goal. This time it is going to be different, said its defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, in a news conference on Monday. Our lead story this morning reports fears the conflict could spread and deepen and take in more Middle Eastern countries. The Iranian-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah has fired rockets into Israel and Iran has also attacked neighbouring Gulf countries where the US military has bases. As many as 22,000 Irish citizens live in the region, or are stranded in Gulf countries after holidays, or while transiting from elsewhere.

Source: The Irish Times March 03, 2026 10:03 UTC