Nigeria has condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, warning the attacks have dangerously worsened tensions in the Middle East.
The government urged both nations to show restraint and called on the UN to step in and help prevent a wider regional conflict.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly criticized Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory, warning that the move has dangerously intensified tensions in an already volatile region. In a statement released on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed deep alarm over the escalation of military aggression between Israel and Iran.
Nigeria condemned what it described as a “preemptive strike” by Israel that has ignited a fresh wave of hostilities, including missile and aerial exchanges between the two countries. The government called for an immediate halt to the violence, urging both sides to prioritize restraint over further confrontation.
“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, marked by sustained missile and aerial exchanges across both territories,” the statement read.
Nigeria warned that the continued tit-for-tat retaliation could lead to devastating consequences, not just for the two countries involved but for the entire Middle East region and the broader international community. According to the statement, the ongoing conflict threatens civilian lives and could significantly destabilize global peace and economic progress.
“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development,” the ministry said.
Reaffirming its position as a nation committed to peaceful dialogue and non-aggression, Nigeria emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, mutual understanding, and respect for international law. The statement stressed that military solutions are not viable substitutes for meaningful negotiations.
“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation. The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law,” it stated.
In addition, the Federal Government urged the international community to intervene swiftly. It specifically called on the United Nations Security Council to take decisive steps to de-escalate the situation and help initiate peace talks between the two nations.
“As a nation deeply committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all parties involved to prioritise dialogue over confrontation,” the ministry added. “We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.”
Nigeria also pledged its full support to any genuine international initiative aimed at restoring calm and encouraging peaceful solutions.
The condemnation follows Israel’s large-scale air campaign on Friday, which targeted approximately 100 sites across Iran, including key nuclear and military installations. The strikes led to the deaths of several senior Iranian military officials and marked one of the most dramatic escalations in the fraught relationship between the two countries.
Among the dead were General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the attack as a “declaration of war,” promising a severe and unrestricted response.
As the global community continues to monitor the unfolding crisis, Nigeria’s call for calm reflects a broader appeal for peace in a region on the brink of further chaos.
