'Too Many People Dying': Irish PM Martin Slams War Standing Next To Trump At White House

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 08:18 IST

During the meeting, Trump defended his hardline approach toward Iran, saying the country must never obtain nuclear weapons and describing its leadership in stark terms.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin publicly called for peace across global conflict zones while standing alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House, striking a measured but pointed tone on war and trade during a high-profile Oval Office meeting.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday as part of the annual Saint Patrick’s Day visit, Martin underscored the human cost of ongoing conflicts.

“Too many people are dying as a result of conflict across the world," he said, stressing the need for “peace and progress" in the Middle East and a “sustainable peace" in Ukraine.

The 65-year-old Taoiseach’s remarks come amid mounting pressure back home to adopt a firmer stance during talks with Trump, particularly in the context of escalating tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East crisis.

The exchange took a sharper turn when a journalist referenced comments by Irish President Michael D. Higgins, who had criticised US military action against Iran as a breach of international law. Trump responded bluntly: “Look, he’s lucky I exist. That’s all I can say."

Doubling down on his position, Trump defended his hardline approach toward Iran, saying the country must never obtain nuclear weapons and describing its leadership in stark terms. He compared them to some of history’s worst actors, underscoring his justification for aggressive policies.

Beyond geopolitics, trade tensions also surfaced during the meeting. Martin expressed concern over tariffs affecting Ireland and the wider European Union, emphasising the importance of open trade.

He said Ireland would prefer “as few tariffs as possible" to ensure smooth economic ties with the United States.

Currently, EU countries face tariffs of around 15% on certain imports into the US, with steeper duties, up to 50%, on products like steel and aluminium.

Martin highlighted Ireland’s economic contributions to the US, including its role in supplying materials for infrastructure, supporting agriculture, and contributing to emerging sectors like artificial intelligence.

“Ireland may be a small country," Martin noted, “but its investments are deeply embedded in key aspects of the American economy."

The Oval Office meeting unfolded against a turbulent backdrop in Washington, including the resignation of US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent and renewed friction between the US and its NATO allies over military involvement in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

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