Enterprise Ireland will send representatives to Iran early next year, and then draw up a strategy to explore the market further. Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Minister, Richard Bruton has said that there is no plan for a full trade mission in the next 12 months.

The body's decision to send Irish representatives comes despite the EU's opposition to Iran's nuclear programme. Responding to a question from Sinn Fein's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, the Minister said:"Due to the EU sanctions that have been in place, Enterprise Ireland has not considered Iran a focus market for some time and has concentrated all efforts on developing opportunities in other more accessible Middle Eastern markets."

Mr Bruton indicated that the trip will lay plans for Irish exporters if EU sanctions are eased: "With the possible lifting of some sanctions and in recognition of the potential represented by the Iranian market, Enterprise Ireland are planning to carry out an exploratory visit to the market during the early part of 2015, the first visit by the agency to this market in over seven years, to investigate opportunities in different sectors."

Speaking to The Pat Kenny Show about the current state of the Middle East , Robert Fisk predicted that the United States could soon make concessions to the Iranian government, which could lead to a broader thawing of tensions between the West and Iran.