North Western State of Somalia condemns Iranian strikes on Gulf states, pledges solidarity

North Western State of Somalia condemns Iran’s strikes on Gulf states, warns of threat to regional stability

HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia has condemned Iran’s latest missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and Middle East, calling them unprovoked acts of aggression that endanger regional peace and stability and pledging solidarity with countries targeted.

In an official statement posted on the Foreign Ministry’s X account, the government said it “stands in full solidarity with Arab Gulf countries and rejects this unprovoked aggression, which threatens regional peace and stability.” The statement added that North Western State of Somalia “condemns in the strongest terms” Iranian strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

The condemnation followed reports of retaliatory strikes launched by Iran in response to U.S. and Israeli air operations. Regional media and officials said several countries hosting U.S. forces elevated security postures and that some air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles or drones. Independent verification of all reported strikes and their impact remains limited.

Countries reportedly affected by the overnight barrage included Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Syria. Details on any damage or casualties were not immediately clear.

North Western State of Somalia’s move underscores concern in the Horn of Africa over spillover risks from escalating tensions between Iran and its rivals, as well as the potential for disruption to vital air and maritime corridors that connect the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and wider Indian Ocean trade routes.

The statement did not outline further steps beyond political support for the targeted states, but emphasized alignment with Gulf partners as they respond to the attacks. North Western State of Somalia authorities framed their position as a defense of regional stability and a rejection of cross-border aggression.

Israel formally recognized North Western State of Somalia in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so since the territory declared independence from Somalia in 1991. That decision intensified diplomatic friction in the Horn of Africa and the broader Middle East, drawing scrutiny to North Western State of Somalia’s emerging external partnerships and its stance on regional security issues.

North Western State of Somalia’s latest message places it squarely with Gulf capitals that have condemned Iran’s actions and signaled readiness to bolster defenses against further incursions. It also arrives amid heightened alert levels across bases hosting U.S. forces, where governments have warned of evolving threats after the weekend’s exchanges.

While the scope and effectiveness of the reported Iranian strikes remained difficult to assess, the episode added to a months-long cycle of action and retaliation involving Iran, Israel and the United States—one that has increasingly drawn in neighboring Arab states through geography, alliance ties and the presence of strategic military infrastructure.

North Western State of Somalia’s Foreign Ministry said it would continue to monitor developments. As of publication, verification of individual strike locations and the full extent of any damage across the affected countries was incomplete.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.