Nigeria Condemns Israel’s Preemptive Strike on Iran, Urges De-escalation Amid Rising Tensions

The Nigerian government has condemned Israel’s recent preemptive military strike on Iran, warning that the action has dangerously escalated tensions in the already volatile Middle East region.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria called for the immediate cessation of hostilities. It urged both Iran and Israel to exercise “utmost restraint” in the interest of regional and global peace.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria condemns the preemptive strike by Israel on Iran, which has led to an escalation of hostilities,” said Ministry Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi. “Nigeria remains committed to peaceful resolution of conflicts and urges all parties involved to prioritise diplomacy over confrontation.”

The international community has been on high alert following the recent exchange of military actions between the two adversaries, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Reacting to the situation, Kingsley Moghalu, President of the African School of Governance and a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, offered a different perspective in a social media post.

“The truth about the Middle East, which many will not admit, is that the only reason Israel exists as a state is that it is militarily superior to its hostile neighbours and Iran,” Moghalu wrote. “While peace is better than war, Israel believes correctly that only its strength can secure it. October 7, 2023 supports this view.”

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion,” marking a significant escalation in the longstanding tensions between the two nations.

The operation eliminated key figures in Iran’s military and nuclear programs. Notably, several senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri was reported killed in the strikes.