The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for calm and a swift de-escalation of the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran, cautioning that continued hostilities could threaten stability in the Middle East and jeopardize global peace.
This position was made known in a statement released on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in reaction to Israel’s recent aerial offensive on Iranian territory.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria strongly condemns Israel’s preemptive airstrike on Iran, which has significantly heightened tensions between both nations. The resulting exchange of missiles and airstrikes poses serious dangers to regional peace,” the statement said.
Expressing concern over the escalating retaliatory attacks, the Nigerian government warned that the conflict could endanger civilian populations and lead to a broader regional war.
“Nigeria urges an immediate stop to hostilities and appeals to both nations to show maximum restraint in order to protect peace within the region and across the world,” the Ministry noted.
According to media reports, Israel launched coordinated strikes on around 100 targets in Iran, including key military and nuclear sites, in a large-scale operation on Friday.
Among those reportedly killed were high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeled the attacks a “declaration of war” and vowed a harsh response. Iranian military leaders have also threatened that their retaliation would be “unlimited.”
In its statement, Nigeria also urged international stakeholders, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take immediate and constructive steps to mediate the crisis and restore calm.
“As a nation committed to peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral engagement, Nigeria urges all parties involved to pursue diplomatic solutions over armed confrontation,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
The statement reiterated that meaningful peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international legal norms.
“Nigeria remains committed to supporting any sincere effort geared toward de-escalation and the promotion of peace in the region,” it added.
The government concluded by stressing that military action is not a viable alternative to diplomatic negotiations.