AU, EU Condemn US–Israeli Strikes on Iran, Urge Restraint and Diplomacy

The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have expressed grave concern over coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets inside the Iran, warning that the attacks mark a dangerous escalation in the Middle East.

In a statement issued Saturday via X, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, said he was “deeply concerned” by the reported strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets in Iran. He described the development as a serious intensification of hostilities in an already volatile region.

Youssouf called for “restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained dialogue,” stressing that all parties must act in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard global peace and security.

He cautioned that further escalation could deepen global instability, with far-reaching consequences for energy markets, food security and economic resilience—particularly in Africa, where many countries are already grappling with conflict and economic pressures.

The AU chairperson urged all actors involved to prioritise diplomacy, including ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, to prevent further deterioration of the situation and uphold the international rules-based order.

“Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force,” he stated.

EU Calls for Maximum Restraint

Reacting to the strikes, President of the European Council, António Costa, described the developments in Iran as “greatly concerning,” noting that the EU remains in close contact with its partners in the region.

Costa reaffirmed the bloc’s “steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability,” emphasising the need to ensure nuclear safety and prevent any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime.

He recalled that the EU has imposed extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s leadership and the Revolutionary Guards, while consistently promoting diplomatic efforts to address concerns surrounding Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes through negotiated solutions.

“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,” Costa said. He also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law.

US, Israel Defend Action

The reactions from the AU and EU followed a wave of strikes on Saturday by the United States and Israel against targets in several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, where explosions and columns of smoke were reported.

US President Donald Trump said Washington’s objective was to eliminate what he described as imminent threats emanating from Iran.

In a video message posted on social media, Trump announced that the United States military had begun “major combat operations in Iran.” He added that the US intended to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and dismantle its missile industry.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz characterised the operation as a “preventive strike.”