LONDON

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin confirmed the introduction of short-term, targeted measures to relieve the pressure of rising energy prices on the public caused by ongoing Middle East escalation.

Speaking at a press conference at a housing development site in Dublin on Monday, Martin said there would be short-term measures to curb pressure on Irish citizens from rising energy prices but declined to give details, The Irish Times reported.

According to the report, a tax rebate scheme, a double fuel allowance payment and a reduction in excise duty to cut fuel prices at the pumps are among measures expected to be discussed by coalition leaders Monday evening.

Martin also responded to concerns raised by opposition Sinn Fein party that the mooted tax rebate for haulers would limit scope for cutting excise on diesel for other motorists.

"We will be looking at, first of all, an immediate set of measures, short-term, targeted in terms of the immediate pressures on the public."

He added that more broadly the government would be looking at "energy efficiency" when asked if steps such as increased grants for solar power or reducing speed limits on motorways would be considered.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

Former President Donald Trump on Monday said he had ordered a five-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.