Iran condemns Israel’s envoy to North Western State of Somalia for violating Somalia’s sovereignty
Mogadishu (AX) — Iran on Tuesday sharply criticized Israel’s decision to appoint an ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, accusing Israel of violating international law and undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity as tensions deepen over the breakaway region.
Tuesday April 21, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Iran on Tuesday sharply criticized Israel’s decision to appoint an ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, accusing Israel of violating international law and undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity as tensions deepen over the breakaway region.
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In remarks released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the move ran afoul of the United Nations Charter and amounted to an affront to Somalia’s sovereignty.
“This unauthorized measure is in blatant contravention of the UN Charter and international law, and infringes upon the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of an independent state,” Baghaei said.
He also called on international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union, to take action in response to what Iran described as violations of international norms.
The criticism came after Israel was reported to have named Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, according to Israel’s public broadcaster. Lotem previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya.
North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali state and years of conflict. It has since maintained its own government and institutions, but it has not won broad international recognition.