TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said remarks by Donald Trump about bombing Iran “back to the Stone Age” are “unacceptable”, but added it is not clear whether they were intended as a direct threat to civilians.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, the Taoiseach said all parties in the conflict must prioritise the protection of civilians, warning that rhetoric suggesting large-scale destruction risked targeting “people… who have no act or part in the regime”.

“It is one thing to say there will be civilian casualties as a function of military action,” he said, “but to publicly threaten to take action that can only damage the civilian population, that’s wrong.”

In an address yesterday, Trump threatened that if Iran does not reach a negotiated settlement with him, the United States would “hit each and every one of their electric generating plants.”

Attacks on civilian energy infrastructure are widely considered to be illegal under the laws of war and could constitute a war crime.

“Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong,” Trump said.

Martin stated this morning that interpreting Trump’s comments can be difficult, noting the US president had also indicated he would avoid striking Iran’s oil infrastructure due to the long-term damage it could cause.

“You could be forever trying to interpret President Trump,” Martin said.

Newstalk Breakfast host Anton Savage said that Trump’s remarks had a “level of egregiousness greater than one could expect”.

“I mean, it is one thing to say that there will be civilian casualties, unfortunate civilian casualties, as a function of military action, but to publicly threaten to take action that can only damage the civilian population,” Savage said.

“Well, that’s wrong,” Martin replied, “but equally, it’s not clear whether he’s directing that at the civilian population.” 

The Taoiseach reiterated his call for an end to the conflict, warning it is causing “death and destruction” in Iran and could trigger severe global economic disruption if it continues.

He said the world was “on the precipice” of a major energy and economic crisis, pointing to risks around oil supply, inflation and knock-on effects for sectors such as aviation, agriculture and manufacturing.

Here, he said the Government is monitoring fuel supplies and prices closely, with around 90 days of reserves available through the National Oil Reserves Agency.

Martin also once again ruled out the implementation of fuel rations, but added that “everything’s kept under review”.

He also addressed public concerns around fuel pricing, and said the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has been asked to continue monitoring the market to ensure there is no price gouging.

“We’ve asked the CCPC to keep a weather vane on all of that,” Martin said.

He said further supports for sectors such as haulage and food production may be considered if the crisis persists.