By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The African Union (AU) has issued a strong condemnation of joint military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, warning that the action constitutes a perilous escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement released on Saturday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf expressed deep concern over what he described as a “serious intensification of hostilities.” He urgently called for restraint and a return to dialogue, emphasizing that “all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security.”
Youssouf warned that further military action could have cascading global effects, “with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience—particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute.” He urged all parties to prioritize diplomatic engagement, including ongoing mediation efforts facilitated by Oman, stressing that “sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force.”
The strikes also drew a concerned response from European Council President António Costa, who stated that the “developments in Iran are greatly concerning.” He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to regional stability, highlighting the critical importance of nuclear safety and preventing actions that could “undermine the global non-proliferation regime.”
Costa noted the EU’s extensive sanctions regime against Iran and called on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.” He added that the bloc is coordinating closely with member states to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region.
The diplomatic reactions follow a wave of US and Israeli strikes on Saturday against sites in Iran, which included targets in the capital, Tehran. Witnesses reported explosions and plumes of smoke rising from the city.
US President Donald Trump characterized the operation as a measure to eliminate “imminent threats” from Iran. In a video message, he asserted, “The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran,” vowing to destroy the country’s missile capabilities and navy. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the action as a “preventive strike.”
