Saturday June 14, 2025|
The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, condemning Israel’s recent preemptive strike on Iranian territory.
In a statement released Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the strikes as a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability and global peace.
“Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, which has significantly intensified hostilities between both nations, marked by ongoing missile and aerial attacks,” the statement said.
Calling for an immediate cessation of violence, the Nigerian government urged both sides to exercise the highest level of restraint.
It warned that continued retaliation risks further civilian casualties and could plunge the broader Middle East into deeper instability, with severe consequences for international security and economic development.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution through diplomacy, Nigeria called on the international community particularly the United Nations Security Council to step up efforts toward de-escalation and to encourage dialogue between the two parties.
“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation,” the statement emphasised.
“Lasting peace must be anchored in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.”
Nigeria also pledged its support for any sincere international effort aimed at restoring calm and fostering long-term peace in the region.
“As a nation committed to non-aggression, multilateral diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence, Nigeria calls on all parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation,” the government stated.
The Nigerian response comes in the wake of Israel’s large-scale air assault on Friday, targeting nearly 100 sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities.
The strikes reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, and Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack as a “declaration of war” and warned of severe retaliation, stating Israel would face a “bitter and painful” fate.
The Iranian military has vowed that its response would have “no limits.”
The escalating conflict has prompted urgent calls for calm from global leaders and international organizations, amid fears of a broader regional war.
