Nigeria, Senegal among countries urging restraint amid US-Israel attacks on Iran
The US-Israeli strikes on Iran have sparked fears of wider regional destabilisation, with countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana and Libya calling for restraint.
Governments and international organisations around the world expressed deep concern as tensions in the Middle East surged following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran.
A demand for restraint and adherence to international law have been put forward, highlighting fears of wider regional destabilisation and global economic disruption.
Countries including Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal and Kazakhstan condemned the escalation and urged diplomatic solutions.
Algeria said it is "deeply saddened" because of rising military tensions in parts of the Gulf and urged all parties to exercise responsibility to prevent further instability.
Libya called Israel’s attacks "unacceptable," emphasising that crises should be addressed through constructive dialogue rather than military action, noting that sovereignty violations in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwai, and Jordan contradict principles of good neighborliness.
Ghana evacuates embassy personnel
Nigeria warned that escalating hostilities could have severe regional and global consequences, urging states to prioritise dialogue, avoid actions that increase conflict, and respect international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Senegal condemned the use of force and called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasising that diplomacy remains the only reliable path to a peaceful resolution.
The African Union Commission also condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks as violations of sovereignty that risk further destabilizing the Middle East.
The Commission urged immediate de-escalation, restraint and a return to diplomacy, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence, international law and resolving disputes through dialogue.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aligned its statement with the African Union Commission, stressing that intensified military activity could destabilise the Middle East, disrupt global energy markets, trade and food supply chains, and undermine international peace and security.
Several countries also took precautionary measures to protect their citizens.
Ghana began a partial evacuation of the embassy personnel in Tehran and advised citizens in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to remain indoors, avoid crowded areas and stay in contact with diplomatic missions.
Airspaces closed
The crisis began early Saturday when Israel and the US carried out joint strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Qom, Tabriz, Bushehr, Kermanshah and Ilam.
Israel described the operation as a "pre-emptive attack," and US President Donald Trump announced a "major combat operations" targeting Iran.
Israel and Iran closed their airspaces. Israel declared a state of emergency, and civilians were urged to seek shelter in anticipation of Iranian counterattacks.
Iran reported firing dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel and launched strikes on US targets in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan using missiles and kamikaze drones. The Iranian Red Crescent reported 201 deaths and 747 injuries from the attacks.