African Union urges urgent de-escalation following US, Israeli strikes on Iran

By Sadik Kedir ABDU

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – The African Union (AU) on Saturday called for urgent restraint and dialogue following US military strikes on targets inside Iran carried out in coordination with Israeli forces.

In a statement, the AU also warned that a deepening conflict in the Middle East risks destabilizing global energy markets and worsening economic pressures across Africa.

AU Commission Chief Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged all parties to act in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, stressing the need to safeguard international peace and security, according to the statement.

“The chairperson warns that further escalation threatens to worsen global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience—particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute,” the statement said.

Calling for sustained diplomatic engagement, including ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by Oman, Youssouf reiterated that sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy rather than force.

The statement positions the 55-member bloc among a growing number of international actors expressing alarm over rising tensions in the Middle East, as concerns mount over the risk of a broader regional confrontation.

Video statements were released by both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that also hinted at efforts to change the government in Tehran.

The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, after a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, said: “Peace is within our reach.”

Israel also initiated a 12-day war on Iran last June, with the US joining later and bombing three Iranian nuclear sites.