The Federal Government of Nigeria has joined the international community in urging Iran and Israel to exercise restraint while diplomatic efforts are ongoing to ease tensions and prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement on Sunday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, emphasized the need for both countries to reflect on the universal commitment to peaceful conflict resolution for the advancement of global peace and security.
World leaders have also called for restraint after Iran launched an unprecedented wave of missiles and attack drones against Israel overnight, during a time when the Gaza conflict has heightened tensions in the Middle East. The Israeli military reported intercepting the majority of the projectiles, resulting in 12 injuries but no deaths, and raising concerns about a potential Israeli counterstrike.
The United States, Israel’s key ally, urged caution and calm, expressing a desire to avoid escalation. President Joe Biden reaffirmed “ironclad” US support for Israel but also appeared to advise against a military response against Iran. According to Axios, Biden suggested to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington would oppose an Israeli counterattack.
Before the Iranian attack, Israel’s military had warned Iran against further escalation, promising consequences.
Netanyahu held a meeting with his war cabinet amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, which began with the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Throughout the night, air raid sirens sounded in Israel, prompting citizens to seek cover in bunkers and shelters as missile defense systems and fighter jets intercepted drones and missiles in the skies.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel against a “reckless” retaliation, stating it would trigger “a decisive and much stronger response.”
