The African Union has called for calm and restraint following recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, warning of potential global and regional consequences.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation.
He cautioned that continued hostilities could deepen global instability and negatively affect energy markets, food security, and economic resilience, particularly across African countries already facing economic and security challenges.
Youssouf emphasised the need for urgent de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to avoid broader repercussions that could impact vulnerable regions, including Africa.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran after weeks of military buildup and threats from President Trump.
In a Social media post, Trump said the goal of the operation is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” Trump urged Iranians to capitalize on the attack as the “only chance for generations” to take over their government.
Strikes targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders in Tehran, as well as military sites in Isfahan, Karaj, Kermanshah, Qum, and Tabriz.
Iran quickly retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at Israel and activating its proxy network, with reports of attacks on U.S. bases across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
