African Union, Nations Call for Urgent De‑Escalation Amid US‑Israel Strikes on Iran

The African Union (AU) has urged urgent de‑escalation and restraint following the recent US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, warning that continued escalation could have far-reaching global consequences. The AU’s call comes as explosions were reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities, and as international concern grows over potential regional destabilization.

In a statement, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomacy. He warned that further conflict could affect global energy markets, food security, and economic stability, including in African countries already facing economic and security challenges. “Restraint and urgent de-escalation are essential to prevent wider instability,” Youssouf said.

Several African nations have voiced concern about the strikes. South Africa and Tunisia historically condemned attacks on Iranian sovereignty, calling for peaceful solutions and restraint, while other African governments are monitoring the situation for its potential impact on trade, fuel prices, and regional security.

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The strikes, reportedly part of Operation Lion’s Roar, targeted Iranian missile and naval facilities, as well as key military infrastructure. The attacks followed months of heightened tension over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and failed diplomatic negotiations mediated by Oman.

Beyond Africa, global reactions have been swift and divided. Russia condemned the attacks and criticised the failure of diplomacy, while Lebanon expressed concern over regional security threats. European nations called for maximum restraint and adherence to international law, and India issued travel advisories for its citizens in Iran and Israel, urging caution amid escalating conflict.

The AU and other international actors emphasized the need for diplomacy, urging the US, Israel, and Iran to prioritize negotiations and conflict prevention mechanisms to avoid a wider war. Analysts warn that escalation could threaten Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes, global oil supply, and regional stability, while increasing risks of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.

African Union, Nations Call for Urgent De‑Escalation Amid US‑Israel Strikes on Iran

Trump Urges Iranians to Overthrow Government Amid US-Israeli Attacks

The United States and Israel have launched a coordinated military assault on Iran, marking one of the most significant escalations in the Middle East in recent years. The strikes, announced by US President Donald Trump, targeted Iranian missile sites, naval facilities, and key military infrastructure, as explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities on Saturday.

Trump, in a video address posted on Truth Social from Florida, declared the offensive was aimed at neutralizing “imminent threats” from Iran. He vowed to annihilate the country’s navy and missile industry, urging the Iranian people to overthrow their government, which has ruled since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” Trump said. “This will probably be your only chance for generations. The hour of your freedom is at hand.”

The operation, reportedly named Operation Lion’s Roar, began early Saturday with air and missile strikes targeting multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Karaj, and Lorestan. Israeli authorities sounded sirens nationwide in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation, while Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights. The strikes followed months of rising tension over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and coincided with failed diplomatic talks mediated by Oman to prevent escalation.

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Trump issued a direct warning to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian armed forces, offering immunity for surrender but warning of “certain death” for resistance. He also urged Iranian civilians to stay sheltered, noting that “bombs will be dropping everywhere.”

Tehran condemned the strikes, pledging a crushing response. Reports indicate the IRGC launched a first wave of missiles and drones toward Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Iranian authorities have urged citizens to stay vigilant as the military mobilizes.

The strikes have prompted swift reactions worldwide. Russia criticized the operation and reaffirmed support for Iran, warning against foreign military intervention. Lebanon and regional actors expressed concern over potential destabilization in the Middle East. India issued travel advisories for its citizens in Iran and Israel, urging caution amid escalating conflict. International leaders and organizations called for maximum restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent full-scale war.

Just days before the strikes, US and Iranian officials held high-level talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman. While Iran reportedly agreed to limit stockpiling of enriched uranium, key disputes over missile programs remained unresolved. Diplomats now warn that the failure of negotiations may have directly contributed to the military escalation.

Analysts warn the strikes could trigger wider conflict in the Middle East, including retaliatory attacks on US and allied bases, disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, and volatility in global energy markets. The situation remains fluid and highly volatile, with international observers monitoring Iran’s military and political response.

Trump Urges Iranians to Overthrow Government Amid US-Israeli Attacks

Reports: US Forces Join Israeli Offensive Against Iran

The United States is reportedly actively participating in a major military offensive against Iran alongside Israel, escalating the conflict dramatically after explosions were reported in Tehran on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The coordinated attacks — involving air and missile strikes — represent one of the most significant direct US‑Israeli military operations against Iran in recent history. (Wikipedia)

According to multiple reports, the offensive — described by leaders as preemptive and aimed at eliminating perceived threats — was planned in coordination with the United States and launched in the early hours of Saturday. An Israeli defence official told Reuters that the operation had been co‑ordinated with US forces, with planning stretching back months ahead of the strikes. (Reuters)

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US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had begun “major combat operations” against Iran, asserting that the strikes are designed to destroy Iranian missile systems, de‑grade military capabilities and counter what he described as imminent threats from the Iranian regime. Trump also appealed directly to Iranian civilians, urging them to support change and consider defying their government. (AP News)

Explosions were reported not only in Tehran but also in other major Iranian cities as part of the operations, with both countries deploying air and missile assets in what was described in some sources as a combined military campaign. Iran’s airspace has reportedly been closed and large plumes of smoke have been seen rising over urban centres as the conflict unfolds. (Reuters)

In response to the attacks, sirens sounded across Israel, and Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency, warning the public of possible missile or drone retaliation from Tehran. Israel also closed its airspace to civilian flights amid concerns that Iran might launch counter‑strikes. (Wikipedia)

This joint US‑Israeli military action, reported under operation names such as Operation Shield of Judah, Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, follows months of mounting tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and regional influence, as well as repeated failed negotiations between Washington and Tehran earlier in 2026. (Wikipedia)

There are no confirmed figures yet on casualties or the extent of damage, and Iran has not yet issued an official statement responding to the joint strikes. The situation is evolving quickly, with global leaders and regional actors closely monitoring developments amid concerns that the conflict could expand or draw in other nations. (Wikipedia)

Reports: US Forces Join Israeli Offensive Against Iran