The Government is mulling over contingency plans and what next steps it should take as it advises the 22,000 Irish citizens in the Middle East region to shelter in place.
This morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee will discuss the situation in the Middle East with ministers.
The minister has said the Government is ready to charter flights if necessary for Irish citizens affected by the escalating conflict.
Senior Government figures have been in regular contact over the last 72 hours to assess the impact of what is unfolding in the Gulf region, and that work will continue at Cabinet today.
The Government has been urged to coordinate with other EU countries and to prepare a major evacuation.
The call was made by Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, who said the situation is clearly worsening and there is no time to lose.
It is understood that all EU partners are actively examining the possibility of getting charter flights to airports located some distance from the centre of the conflict.
Govt developing list of vulnerable citizens in Gulf
Minister McEntee said the Government is developing a list of its most vulnerable citizens who need assistance leaving the Gulf.
This includes elderly people, pregnant women and those with medical conditions.
Speaking before Cabinet, she said airlines are prioritising those who were cut off in transit without accommodation, residency, or hotel bookings.
"Separately we are, of course, based on the contacts that we've had directly from people ringing our contact lines, as well as those who we are aware of, we are developing a list of those who are perhaps most vulnerable, elderly, those who might have medical conditions.
"There are people out there who are pregnant, and who are advanced in their pregnancy, so we want to make sure that if we have a chartered flight, that we have a very clear list of who will be on those flights, making sure that those are most vulnerable, those who aren't residents, who don’t have accommodation, are prioritised in that regard," she said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said chartering flights is being considered as part of the response to assist Irish citizens.
He said they are "not waiting" to see what other countries are doing but rather looking at the most effective and efficient option.
There are a number of options being considered, including European countries working together, he said.
He said Oman could be considered as a possible location in terms of direct charter flights.
Mr Harris added they are also monitoring whether commercial flights resume in parts of the Middle East.
More than 50 flights have so far been cancelled to and from Dublin Airport alone, since Saturday morning.
Watch: 'All options are on the table' to assist Irish citizens in Middle East - Tánaiste
