Tinubu Govt calls for immediate end of Iran-Israel ‘war’

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, warning that the attacks have dangerously escalated tensions in the Middle East and pose a threat to regional and global peace.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed deep concern over the intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, which have involved sustained missile and aerial attacks across both countries.

“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.

The Nigerian government called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint in the interest of regional and global stability.

“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,” Ebienfa added.

Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria emphasized that dialogue, not military confrontation, remains the only sustainable path to peace.

“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation,” the government stated. “Enduring peace must be built on diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.”

The Federal Government also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate constructive engagement between the parties.

“Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at restoring calm and promoting peace in the region,” the statement concluded.

The condemnation follows a major Israeli air campaign on Friday targeting nearly 100 locations across Iran, including key military and nuclear sites. The attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, Hossein Salami.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the strikes as a “declaration of war,” vowing a “bitter and painful” retaliation. Iran’s military also warned that there would be “no limits” to its response.

The latest escalation between the two countries has drawn widespread international concern, with several global powers urging restraint and advocating for renewed diplomatic dialogue to prevent a broader conflict.