African Union Urges Restraint After US, Israel Strike Iran

The African Union on Saturday called for calm after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, warning that further escalation could have serious global repercussions, including for African nations.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, appealed for dialogue and de-escalation amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Naija News reports that Youssouf called for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue.

“Further escalation risks worsening global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience, particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute,” he warned.

The appeal came as Iran reportedly launched missiles toward Israel early Saturday in retaliation for earlier strikes on its territory.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it detected missiles fired from Iran shortly after the offensive began.

In a brief statement, the IDF said sirens were activated across the country and that it was intercepting incoming threats while conducting counterstrikes where necessary.

While urging residents to follow Home Front Command guidelines, the IDF cautioned, “The defence is not hermetic.”

United States President, Donald Trump, confirmed American involvement in what he described as “major combat operations” in Iran.

In a video address posted from his Florida home on his Truth Social platform, Trump vowed to destroy Iran’s military infrastructure.

“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,” he said.

Addressing the Iranian people, he added, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”