Micheál Martin will push President Trump on end to Iran conflict

Micheál Martin will press President Trump on how he intends to find an “off ramp” from the conflict with Iran when they meet in Dublin next weekend, while also raising Ukraine and warning of the economic dangers of tariffs. The taoiseach is expected to ask the US president what his ultimate objective is in Iran, how he sees the conflict ending and what route he thinks exists towards a resolution. Most commented 1 Argentina calls for Hong Kong-style handover of Falklands Latin America 1,376 comments 2 US says Labour’s plan to boost BBC on social media is censorship US news 140 comments 3 Drone hits Ukraine’s ⁠SBU security service headquarters in central Kyiv Russia-Ukraine war 21 comments 4 The Times Saturday Quiz: September 5, 2026 Quizzes & Teasers 293 comments 5 Horsing around — and other news in pictures Photography 63 comments Government sources expect the situation in Iran to be one of the most significant differences between the talks at Farmleigh and Martin’s previous meeting with Trump at the White House, when the issue was not a big part of the agenda. Top stories 1 Top five 2027 cruise and tour packages to book with Times Holidays Promoted content Ukraine will also feature prominently , and Martin is expected to restate the case for free and open trade and argue that both Ireland and the US benefit from reducing barriers and tariffs. The approach will be conversational rather than confrontational, with Martin expected to ask Trump about how he sees the international conflicts developing. Advertisement The two leaders may also have a private tête-à-tête as well as a wider bilateral meeting involving officials, although the precise format of the talks has yet to be finalised. Top stories 1 Would you wear a ‘personality coat’? India Knight road-tests the trend Fashion 2 The Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards 2026: vote to win £34,500 worth of prizes Inspiration 3 I’m a Bangkok regular and this is my favourite neighbourhood Bangkok 4 Forget rest and relaxation — high-stress holidays are all the rage Comment 5 The up-and-coming wine region you’ve likely never heard of Denmark Before this, Trump will also meet President Connolly at Aras an Uachtarain, but he is not expected to raise her previous criticism of him and he plans to keep their ­conversation “light”, according to Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas. Catherine Connolly, the Irish president, once described President Trump as “volatile” and “unpredictable” Jordan Pettitt/PA Swenson, a spokesman for Trump’s party in the UK and Ireland, added: “It’s not something that’s going to be a big burden for him. Ireland isn’t necessarily a defence and security powerhouse — I say that sarcastically. So I don’t think her criticism is that meaningful for the president.” Paul Murphy, the People Before Profit TD, who is also part of the Irish Neutrality League, which is organising a protest against the American visit, will consult gardai about arrangements. Murphy is projecting that thousands could attend a demonstration in Dublin on September 12, the day of Trump’s arrival. A smaller protest is also expected near ­Doonbeg, Co Clare, where Trump will attend the Irish Open golf tournament the next day. Advertisement Donald Trump’s approval rating: the latest polls tracked Swenson said Trump would not be perturbed by the demonstrations. “He’s used to it, he’s experienced that in both terms. He looks past it,” he said. “He was very inspired when the crowds came out in Scotland last summer and the streets were lined up with people with signs welcoming him. “For every protest, the media tends to overlook the fact that the people really love him.” The president’s itinerary, which remains subject to change, is expected to see him arrive in Dublin early on September 12, when he will be greeted by Simon Harris, the tanaiste, at the airport. Trump will travel by Marine One helicopter to Phoenix Park, where he is due to meet Connolly in the Aras and Martin in Farmleigh. Advertisement Micheál Martin, the taoiseach, met Trump at the White House in March Evan Vucci/Reuters Trump will salute and inspect a Defence Forces guard of honour before being invited to sign the visitors’ book at the Aras. He and Connolly are expected to spend a short period in conversation in a private reception room before the US president leaves for Farmleigh. Trump will attend an event at Deerfield Residence, the official home of Edward Walsh, the US ambassador , where preparations are under way and sources have said a “significant guest list” has been drawn up. The event is expected to resemble the receptions traditionally held at the Irish ambassador’s residence in Washington during high-level political visits, bringing together politicians, business leaders and representatives of the wider Irish-American community. Read more of the latest Irish news and analysis The reception is expected to include prominent US and Irish business figures, including executives from companies with significant operations and investments on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as members of the American expatriate community in Ireland. Advertisement Trump is expected to speak about the close ties between Ireland and the United States. He will then travel to his golf resort in Doonbeg, attending the Irish Open on Sunday, before leaving Ireland that evening.