The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) have issued strong condemnations of recent U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran, with both bodies warning that the actions mark a dangerous escalation in the Middle East. The attacks, which targeted Iranian cities and infrastructure, have triggered explosions and smoke across Tehran and raised fears of further regional instability.

African Union Calls for De-Escalation and Diplomacy

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, expressed ‘deep concern’ over the reported military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside Iran. He called for ‘restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained dialogue,’ emphasizing the need for all parties to act in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

Youssouf warned 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 urged all concerned actors to prioritize diplomatic engagement, including ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, to prevent further deterioration.

‘Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force,’ Youssouf added, highlighting the AU’s position that military action is not a viable solution to regional tensions.

European Union Warns of Regional and Global Risks

Reacting to the strikes, European Council President António Costa said the developments in Iran are ‘greatly concerning.’ He reaffirmed the EU’s ‘steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability,’ stressing that ‘ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance.’

Costa noted that the EU has ‘adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Major Guards,’ and has ‘consistently diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programmes through a negotiated solution.’

He added, ‘In close coordination with EU Member States, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that EU citizens in the region can count on our full support,’ calling on ‘all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.’

US and Israel Justify Strikes as Preventive Action

The strikes followed a wave of attacks on Saturday by the United States and Israel against targets in Iranian cities, triggering explosions and columns of smoke in Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington’s goal was ‘eliminating imminent threats’ from Iran, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the action as a ‘preventive strike.’

In a video message posted on his social media platform, Trump said, ‘The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran. 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.’

The attacks come amid growing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of aggressive actions. The situation has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with potential impacts on global energy markets and food security, particularly in Africa, where economic and political pressures are already high.

The AU and EU have both called for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis. The Sultanate of Oman has been facilitating international mediation efforts, but it remains unclear whether these will be sufficient to prevent further escalation.

Analysts warn that the situation could lead to a wider conflict if diplomatic efforts fail. With both the U.S. and Israel emphasizing their military capabilities, the risk of further strikes remains high, potentially triggering a regional arms race or even a direct confrontation.