In a formal statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the renewed hostilities, warning that the cycle of attacks and counterattacks between the two nations risks plunging the Middle East into greater instability.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the strikes, which have involved sustained missile and aerial exchanges between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, pose a serious threat to regional and global peace.
Nigeria noted that the continued pattern of retaliation not only endangers innocent civilian lives but could also disrupt international security and economic development.
The government emphasized that it views the current situation as a matter of grave concern and urged both countries to immediately halt military operations. It called on Iran and Israel to exercise the highest level of restraint to prevent the conflict from spiraling further out of control.
“Nigeria expresses its grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint,” the statement said.
Beyond condemning the immediate violence, Nigeria used the opportunity to reaffirm its longstanding foreign policy stance rooted in peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy.
The government stated that it remains firmly committed to resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to peaceful diplomacy
In that spirit, the Federal Government appealed to the wider international community to intensify efforts toward de-escalating the conflict. It specifically urged the United Nations Security Council to take decisive steps to encourage constructive engagement between the two nations.
“As a nation deeply committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all involved to prioritize dialogue over confrontation,” Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, reinforcing its appeal for diplomacy over warfare.
The government also reiterated its belief that military action cannot substitute for genuine negotiation. Nigeria stressed that any lasting peace in the region must be rooted in mutual respect, diplomatic engagement, and adherence to international law.
“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.” the ministry said.
The Nigerian government pledged its continued support for international efforts aimed at reducing tensions and restoring peace in the region. It called on all parties involved to act swiftly, not just to prevent further loss of life, but to safeguard regional and global stability.
Nigeria’s statement comes amid rising global concern over the possibility of a broader conflict in the Middle East, as military confrontations between Israel and Iran continue to unfold.
