The grim images of death and destruction resulting from the exchange of missile and drone attacks between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran have shocked the world, fueling widespread concern over the potential for broader regional escalation of the conflict .
On Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing the operation as “preemptive and precise.” The attack reportedly killed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard chief, Hossein Salami, along with several senior commanders and approximately six scientists involved in the nuclear programme.
World leaders have voiced deep concern over the escalating conflict and called for an immediate end to hostilities. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the Israeli strikes on Iran and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on both Iran and Israel to exercise restraint. While condemning Iran’s nuclear program, they also reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also urged Iran and Israel to “step back and reduce tensions urgently”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement condemned the Israeli strikes saying it is a “clear provocation that disregards international law.”
The Nigerian Government has condemned Israel’s preemptive military strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. In a statement issued on Saturday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government expressed grave concern over the escalation and urged both countries to exercise restraint. It also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further regional instability.
Part of the statement read: “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.
“Nigeria expresses its grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace. 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.
“As a nation deeply committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all involved to prioritise dialogue over confrontation. We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.
“We reiterate that military action is not a substitute for negotiation. The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law. Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region.”
Israeli forces attacked Iranian nuclear and military facilities in what it claimed was an attempt to stop the Islamic Republic from building nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation following the Israeli strikes, and Iran has since launched rockets and drone attacks on Israeli cities, resulting in casualties and property damage.
In response, Israel—backed by the United States—has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, citing repeated threats by the Islamic Republic to use such weapons against the Jewish state.
The Israeli authorities said that Iran is now working on what it calls the ‘new plan to destroy Israel’. The old plan, to encircle Israel with a ring of fire, using its proxies, has failed.”
In a statement Israel said “In defending ourselves, we also defend others. Like our Arab neighbors who have suffered from Iran’s campaign of chaos and carnage.
“Our fight is not with the brave people of Iran, but with the brutal dictatorship that has oppressed them for 46 years.
“We will not let the world’s most dangerous regime obtain the world’s most dangerous weapons. And Iran plans to give nuclear weapons to it’s terrorist proxies, making the nightmare of nuclear terrorism all too real. The increasing range of those missiles would bring the nuclear nightmare to the cities of Europe and eventually, America.”
Iran has however, insisted that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and vowed to do everything possible to defend her sovereignty in the face of extreme provocation.
This conflict is really troubling for the international community as it may cause serious damage and disrupt the economic system and threaten world peace. the United Nations and all nations of the world must rise to ensure that this conflict does not escalate beyond this level.
Both countries have to return to the negotiating table and sort out the differences as they are billed to meet on Sunday June 15.
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