Middle East: Nigeria Condemns Israel’s Unprovoked Attack on Iran, Urges Ceasefire and Restraint

The Nigerian government has condemned Israel’s unprovoked airstrike against the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a dangerous escalation of hostilities with grave implications for regional and global peace.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 14 June 2025, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, labelled Israel’s assault as a “preemptive” strike. The strike, which took place on Friday, killed at least 74 Iranians, including senior military officials, and has sparked retaliatory attacks across strategic areas in Israel.

Nigeria calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace,” the statement read.

The Ministry warned that the continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to throw the Middle East into further instability.

As a non-aligned nation and a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy. It urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward de-escalation and create a platform for constructive engagement.

West Africa Weekly notes that although the Ministry’s use of the term “preemptive” aligns with the narrative pushed by Western powers, the attack itself was unprovoked. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched the first strike against Tehran, targeting key installations and killing dozens, including high-ranking members of Iran’s military.

Moreso, the context buried within the “preemptive” strike propaganda is an Israeli/U.S.-backed – or rather CIA/Mossad- regime change attempt in Iran. This effort is framed as a mission to “destroy” Iran’s alleged possession of nuclear weapons, even though the country is a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and has not been formally found in violation of its terms.

Adding to the tension, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a provocative message on his Truth Social account on 13 June.

I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal… Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse… Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire”, the president wrote.

The statement appears to cheer on what many view as an illegal act of aggression.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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