Podcast: Trump on Iran and new threats to leave NATO

US President Donald Trump continues to issue contradictory statements on ending the Iran conflict.

Yesterday, President Trump said he expected to end the war within two to three weeks, however this contrasts sharply with the ongoing build-up of US military in the region.

Dr Patrick Bury joined Behind the Story to discuss the conflict and examine the military options for US.

Dr Bury said the options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are limited, and taking over Kharg Island would present many challenges.

"This is where the UK, other European member states and NATO, are saying this really is going to be solved through negotiation," he said.

"That may end up with the Iranians putting a $1 or $2 tax on every barrel of oil that goes through there in the short-term.

"If you look at the maritime operation to do this, it still requires a lot of vessels (and) it requires US leadership."

Dr Bury also explains why escorting oil tankers through the area is not straight-forward.

US threats to leave NATO and impact on Europe

As the US threatens to pull out of the NATO alliance, Dr Bury said Europe and Ireland would need to look at security options again.

"I'm a big fan of neutrality… but certainly in terms of the Irish case, certainly since about 2008, our capabilities and capacities were just gutted," he said.

"There’s been some attempts at some transformation and reform - there’s some movement in the right direction there."

Dr Bury added that while moving closer to France around the purchasing and procurement of equipment "is a smart strategic move", the country needs to increase its defence ambitions.

Energy awareness

Political correspondent Mícheál Lehane also joined Fran to explain that an awareness campaign is being worked on by Government for people to "use energy sparingly".

As energy prices continue to spike because of the Middle East conflict, Mícheál said other measures may be needed for people to cut their energy use and save fuel.

You can listen to Behind the Story on the RTÉ Radio Player.

You can also find episodes on Apple here, or on Spotify here.