Nigeria Calls for Restraint as Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates
The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned Israel’s recent airstrike on Iran, warning that the attack has dangerously heightened tensions in the Middle East and threatens global peace and stability.
In a statement released on Saturday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the ongoing hostilities, which have seen a sharp exchange of missile and aerial assaults between Iran and Israel.
The statement strongly condemned Israel’s preemptive strike and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by both nations.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, which has escalated hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel,” the statement read. “Nigeria urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace.”
The Ministry stressed that the cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian populations but also risks plunging the broader Middle East into deeper instability, with far-reaching consequences for international security and economic development.
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Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and the diplomatic resolution of conflicts, the government urged the international community—particularly the United Nations Security Council—to step in and facilitate meaningful dialogue between the two nations.
“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation,” the statement emphasized. “Enduring peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.”
Nigeria pledged its support for any genuine international effort aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region.
“As a nation deeply committed to principles of non-aggression, peaceful coexistence, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all parties involved to prioritize dialogue over confrontation,” the government stated.
Escalation and Global Reactions
The conflict escalated dramatically on Friday when Israel launched a large-scale aerial assault targeting nearly 100 sites across Iran, including key military and nuclear facilities. The strikes reportedly killed several top Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, and Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeled the attack a “declaration of war” and warned that Israel would face a “bitter and painful” fate. Iran’s military also vowed an unlimited response.
The latest hostilities have sparked global concern, with several nations and international organizations urging immediate diplomatic intervention to prevent a full-scale war.
By PRNigeria
