The African Union has expressed deep concern over military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israel against targets inside the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing the action as a serious escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
In a statement via X issued on Saturday, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, said he was “deeply concerned by the reported military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside the Islamic Republic of Iran, an escalation that marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East.”
He called for “restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained dialogue,” stressing that “all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security.”
Youssouf warned that further escalation “threatens to worsen global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience—particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute.”
He urged all concerned actors to prioritise diplomatic engagement, including ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, to prevent further deterioration and uphold the international rules-based order.
The AU chairperson reiterated that “sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force.”
EU reacts
President of the European Council, António Costa, said, “The developments in Iran are greatly concerning. We remain in close contact with our partners in the region.”
Costa reaffirmed the EU’s “steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability,” stressing that “ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance.”
He noted that the European Union “has adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards and has consistently promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programmes through a negotiated solution.”
“In close coordination with EU Member States, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that EU citizens in the region can count on our full support,” Costa said, calling on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”
The reaction followed a wave of strikes on Saturday by the United States and Israel against targets in Iranian cities, triggering explosions and columns of smoke in the capital, Tehran.
US President Donald Trump said Washington’s goal was “eliminating imminent threats” from Iran, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the action as a “preventive strike.”
In a video message posted on his social media platform, Trump said, “The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran.” He added, “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy.”
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