The Nigerian Government has called for immediate de-escalation and maximum restraint in the Gulf region following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

In a press release issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the government expressed deep concern over the rising tensions and warned of the risk of further escalation with grave consequences for regional and global stability.

The appeal followed joint strikes launched earlier in the day by the United States and Israel, marking a significant escalation in months of tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, regional influence and stalled diplomatic efforts.

Reacting to the development, FG urged all parties to refrain from actions capable of intensifying hostilities and to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.

The government called for strict adherence to the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention, particularly with regard to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Nigeria stressed the need for restraint in the use of lethal force to prevent further civilian casualties and to safeguard established norms of international law. It emphasised that preserving the legal framework that regulates the use of force remains critical to protecting civilians and maintaining international order.

Reaffirming its longstanding position on non-alignment and multilateralism, the government expressed support for renewed diplomatic engagement within established international and regional frameworks to resolve the crisis. It also encouraged confidence-building measures, mediation and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders.

The statement added that Nigeria stands in solidarity with the international community in calling for calm and maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, mutual respect and strict compliance with international law.

The statement reads, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria expresses deep concern over the rising tensions in the Gulf region and the risk of further escalation with potentially grave consequences for regional and global stability. Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities, and prioritise dialogue over confrontation. We urge strict adherence to the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention, particularly taking into cognizance the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“In this regard, Nigeria emphasizes the imperative of restraint in the use of lethal force, to prevent further loss of civilian life and avoid any actions that could undermine or abrogate established norms of international law. The preservation of the existing legal architecture that regulates and limits the use of force remains essential to the protection of victims, the safeguarding of civilian populations, and the maintenance of international order.

“As a longstanding advocate of non-alignment, multilateralism, and constructive engagement, Nigeria supports renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks to resolve the crisis. We welcome initiatives aimed at confidence-building, mediation, and dialogue, and encourage all stakeholders and parties in the conflict to pursue peaceful resolution in the interest of collective security and shared prosperity.

“The Government of Nigeria stands in solidarity with the international community in its call for calm and remains steadfast in its conviction that sustainable peace can only be secured through diplomacy, mutual respect, and faithful adherence to international law.” (TRIBUNE)

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