The African Union (AU) has voiced serious concern over coordinated military strikes carried out by the United States alongside Israel against targets within the Iran, warning that the development risks deepening tensions across the Middle East.
In a statement released Saturday via X, 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 urged all parties involved to embrace restraint and diplomacy to prevent a wider regional crisis.
Youssouf 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.”
According to him, continued military escalation could worsen global instability, particularly affecting vulnerable regions.
He warned that further confrontation “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.”
The AU chairperson also encouraged stakeholders to prioritise diplomatic solutions, including mediation initiatives led by the Sultanate of Oman, reiterating that “sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force.”
EU expresses concern
The European Union also reacted to the unfolding situation, with President of the European Council, António Costa, describing developments in Iran as troubling.
“The developments in Iran are greatly concerning. We remain in close contact with our partners in the region,” Costa said.
He reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to maintaining regional stability while emphasising the importance of nuclear safety and adherence to global non-proliferation efforts.
Costa noted that the EU “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.”
He added that the union was coordinating closely with member states to ensure the safety of its citizens in affected areas.
“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,” he said, urging “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”
The international reactions followed a wave of airstrikes on Saturday by the United States and Israel targeting locations across Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, where explosions and heavy smoke were reported.
US President Donald Trump defended the operation, stating that Washington’s objective was “eliminating imminent threats” posed by Iran.
In a video message posted on social media, 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.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the offensive as a “preventive strike” aimed at neutralising perceived security threats against Israel.
