The African Union has urged restraint after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran, cautioning that any further escalation could trigger far-reaching global consequences, including for African countries.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, appealed for dialogue and immediate de-escalation as tensions intensify across the Middle East.
He warned that a deepening crisis could heighten global instability, with serious effects on energy markets, food security, and economic resilience — particularly in Africa, where many nations are already grappling with conflict and economic strain.
The statement followed reports that Iran launched missiles toward Israel early Saturday in response to earlier strikes on its territory.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it detected missiles fired from Iran shortly after the offensive began. In a brief statement, the military said air raid sirens were activated nationwide and that it was working to intercept incoming threats while carrying out counterstrikes where necessary.
While advising residents to adhere strictly to Home Front Command safety guidelines, the IDF cautioned that its defensive systems are not completely airtight.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged American participation in what he described as “major combat operations” inside Iran.
In a video message shared from his Florida residence on his Truth Social platform, Trump pledged to dismantle Iran’s military infrastructure.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and eliminate their missile industry entirely. It will be completely wiped out. We’re also going to annihilate their navy,” he said.
Addressing the Iranian public directly, he added, “When we are done, take control of your government. It will be yours to claim.”