An Iranian flag is planted in the rubble of a police station that was damaged in airstrikes in Tehran, Iran. Given what is happening in the Middle East, the exchanges in the Dáil, and the predictable criticism levelled at the Coalition for being “a do-nothing government” might seem anodyne. However, once a war starts, “people are unaware as to what the consequences of the war will be”, Mr O’Callaghan replied. The truth is, so long as Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, there will be pressure on oil prices. The only certainty about this war is that further instability and volatility will follow.

Source: Irish Independent March 19, 2026 08:32 UTC