AU Warns of Global Instability as US-Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates

The African Union has warned that further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East could deepen global instability following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran earlier today.

In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the conflict poses serious risks to energy markets, food security, and economic resilience – particularly in Africa, where many countries are already grappling with conflict and economic strain.

The continental body called for urgent restraint, de-escalation, and sustained dialogue, urging all parties to act in accordance with international law and the UN Charter to safeguard global peace and security.

The coordinated offensive, described by Washington as a major combat operation, involved air and missile strikes targeting Iranian military and government sites, including locations in Tehran and other cities.

Iran subsequently closed its airspace, while several neighbouring countries also restricted civilian flights amid widening hostilities. Tehran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and U.S. military positions across the region.

The AU reiterated that sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not force.

The statement follows a large-scale joint military operation on February 28, 2026, during which more than 200 American and Israeli fighter jets reportedly struck approximately 500 targets across Iran, including nuclear facilities, missile bases, and government buildings in Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and several U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, prompting widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.

With reports indicating significant damage to facilities linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader and the death toll in Iran reportedly exceeding 200, the region remains on edge as world leaders call for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to prevent further escalation.