ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned Israel’s pre-emptive military strikes on Iran, warning that the escalation of hostilities between the two regional powers threatens global security and economic stability.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 14, 2025, by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria described Israel’s offensive action as a destabilising move that has triggered a dangerous cycle of retaliation between the two 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.
Israeli defence officials said Friday, June 13, 2025’s strikes targeted key elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and unnamed senior nuclear scientists.
Iran responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli territory.
Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Friday night, with damage and casualties yet to be officially confirmed.
Nigeria expressed deep concern over the development, warning that such exchanges “pose grave threats to regional and global peace.”
Ebienfa urged both sides to halt hostilities immediately and exercise maximum restraint to avoid a broader conflict.
“The cycle of retaliation endangers civilian lives and could plunge the Middle East into deeper instability, with consequences for international security and economic development,” he said.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s foreign policy stance on non-aggression and multilateralism, the Ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to intensify diplomatic efforts to restore calm.
“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,” Ebienfa said.
He further emphasised that military confrontation is not a viable substitute for dialogue, stating that peace “can only be achieved through 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,” he added.
The intensifying conflict has already begun to impact global markets.
Crude oil prices surged by over 7 percent on Friday, June 13, 2025 — the steepest increase in more than four months — following the Israeli strike and fears of Iranian retaliation.
Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the Middle East, a critical region for global energy supply, could have widespread economic ramifications.
The escalation marks a sharp deterioration in relations between Israel and Iran, two long-standing adversaries whose proxy conflicts have shaped Middle Eastern geopolitics for decades.
The current exchange of direct military action represents one of the most dangerous flare-ups in recent memory.
