Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has called for urgent negotiations and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, describing the current situation as a "catastrophe".

The party's National Chairperson made the comments ahead of a Sinn Féin Assembly motion scheduled for today, Monday 16 March, which condemns military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. The motion follows a series of high-profile military operations in the region that began in late February.

"The catastrophe we are witnessing unfolding in the Middle East is a direct result of US and Israeli aggression, and a flagrant breach of international law," said Mr Kearney. "This war is illegal and is not a legitimate response to the human rights violations and lack of democracy in Iran. The British government's decision to join this assault is equally reckless."

Mr Kearney also criticised the stance of the DUP, linking the international conflict to the economic pressures facing households in Northern Ireland.

"The DUP's unwavering support for this war, which has led to huge hikes in energy bills for local workers, families and businesses, is a disgrace. Once again political unionism is an outlier in relation to human rights, diplomacy and global relations," he said.

The MLA concluded by calling for an immediate halt to the fighting, stating: "There must be an immediate de-escalation and an end to hostilities by all sides. There is no alternative to political dialogue, and commitment to peaceful coexistence."