First Minister Michelle O'Neill will skip a UK cabinet security briefing on the Middle East conflict set for 15:00 GMT at PSNI headquarters in Belfast. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will attend the in-person session.

O'Neill also missed a virtual briefing on Saturday with UK Cabinet Office officials. Little-Pengelly joined that meeting alongside the Scottish and Welsh first ministers, representing the Executive Office after both leaders received invitations.

O'Neill opposes UK military involvement in the conflict and prioritizes support for Northern Ireland citizens in the region through contacts with UK and Irish governments. Little-Pengelly raised concerns for hundreds of Northern Ireland residents living or working in the Middle East, including the UAE, and sought UK government assurances on their safety.

The issue reached the Northern Ireland Assembly following a request from Traditional Unionist Voice member Timothy Gaston. DUP leader Gavin Robinson praised Little-Pengelly's participation and noted Iran's past support for terrorism, including links to groups in Northern Ireland.

DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen called for leadership during uncertainty given personal ties to the region. UUP leader Jon Burrows urged O'Neill to attend as first minister. SDLP leader Claire Hanna pressed for UK de-escalation efforts and ceasefire. Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard condemned attacks during US-Iran talks and advised contacting embassies for assistance.