Somalia condemns Iranian strikes on Arab states, backs Gulf allies and urges restraint
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday condemned Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.
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In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the strikes had caused destruction, injuries and loss of life, and amounted to a breach of the territorial integrity of the affected states.
“Somalia expresses its deep concern about the crisis in the region and stands with the countries affected by these armed acts,” the ministry said, naming Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman. Mogadishu said it supports their right to take lawful measures to protect their security, citizens and territory.
The statement did not mention the United Arab Emirates. The omission comes amid longstanding political tensions between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi that have strained diplomatic relations in recent years. Somalia has historically aligned itself with Gulf and Arab states on major regional security matters, and Sunday’s message underscores Mogadishu’s interest in the stability of its key partners across the Red Sea.
The condemnation followed a sharp escalation in the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed senior Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran launched retaliatory attacks that hit U.S. military facilities in several countries, further inflaming regional tensions.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has since threatened what it described as its “most intense offensive operation” against Israeli and American military installations, raising fears of a broader conflict that could ricochet across the Gulf and the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s Foreign Ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. “The Federal Government of Somalia supports all peaceful efforts to resolve regional conflicts and calls on the concerned parties to prioritize diplomacy and peaceful solutions to achieve lasting peace, stability and coexistence,” the statement said.
Somalia’s position reflects both regional alignment and domestic calculation. Any widening confrontation between Iran, U.S. forces and Gulf allies risks disrupting vital maritime routes through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, lifelines for Somali trade and humanitarian shipments. It could also complicate security cooperation Somalia relies on from Gulf and Western partners as it battles al-Shabab insurgents at home.
By explicitly supporting Gulf states’ “lawful measures” while calling for de-escalation, Mogadishu sought to balance solidarity with key Arab capitals and a broader appeal for restraint to avoid a spiraling conflict. The ministry emphasized adherence to international law and respect for state sovereignty as the basis for restoring calm.
Regional governments and international mediators have warned that continued tit-for-tat strikes risk triggering miscalculation and drawing more countries into direct confrontation. Somalia’s latest statement adds its voice to those urging a diplomatic off-ramp before the crisis deepens.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
