A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is deeply concerned by the reported military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside the Islamic Republic of Iran, an escalation that marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East.
The Chairperson calls for restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained dialogue, stressing that all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security.
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.
He urges all concerned actors to prioritise diplomatic engagement, including ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, to prevent further deterioration and uphold the international rules-based order.
H.E. Mr Youssouf reiterates that sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force.
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