As tensions surge in the Middle East, Nigerians are closely watching while seeking peace and stability. From the distant vantage point of West Africa, here’s how Nigeria, and President Tinubu in particular, is approaching this far-reaching conflict:
1. Nigeria urges maximum restraint in a press released statement
This press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, dated Saturday, 14th June, 2025, addresses the ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, called on both Iran and Israel to “exercise utmost restraint” and immediately cease hostile actions of missiles and aerial attacks. The statement condemned Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran as dangerously escalating regional tensions, risking civilian lives and global economic stability. It also reflects Nigeria’s traditional stance of de-escalation and conflict prevention. Also Nigeria is very worried that these military actions could lead to more civilian deaths, worsen instability in the already volatile Middle East, and arm global security and economic development. Furthermore, Nigeria is reminding the world that it stands firmly for peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, dialogue over war, and, multilateral diplomacy (meaning cooperation among multiple countries). Additionally, Nigeria is urging the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to step in quickly and help stop the fighting and create room for constructive dialogue and peace talks.
2. The origins of the current war, chronicling the spark
The Israel-Iran conflict escalated into open war recently, but the tensions have been building up over time. Here’s a breakdown of key events that led to the current situation.
October 7, 2023: Hamas, backed by Iran, launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,100 people. This triggered a major military operation in Gaza and heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
April 1, 2024: Israel bombed the Iranian consulate building in Damascus, Syria, killing several senior Iranian officials, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, and Iran promised to take revenge.
April 13-14, 2024: Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel, firing over 300 drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems.
April 19, 2024: Israel retaliated by bombing a radar site near Isfahan in Iran.
July 31, 2024: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an assassination in Tehran, further escalating tensions.
October 1, 2024: Iran fired 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in response to Israeli actions.
June 13, 2025: Israel launched a major attack called “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites. This operation is seen as a significant escalation and a potential starting point for the current war.
This new war officially began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched airstrikes deep into Iranian territory, targeting nuclear facilities and killing senior military figures, including IRGC leaders and nuclear scientists. On the evening of 13 June 2025, Iran began launching a series of retaliatory strikes on Israel
3. Why did this all kick off now?
The tipping point came just after the IAEA confirmed Iran had breached nuclear non-proliferation obligations, and shortly after US nuclear talks with Iran collapsed. Israel, perceiving the threat as existential, saw a rare window to disrupt Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Prime Minister Netanyahu cited the weakening of regional proxies as an opportunity for such a bold strike. The conflict between Israel and Iran involves complex geopolitical dynamics, proxy wars, and competing interests. Both countries have been engaging in covert operations, cyberattacks, and strikes against each other’s interests for years. The recent escalation has raised concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.
4. Iran’s direct retaliation: when did they finally hit Israel effectively?
Iran has launched multiple missile and drone attacks since 2023, with two major direct strikes in April and October 2024 named “Operation True Promise I & II”, though most missiles were intercepted. The latest, on June 13, 2025, marked its most significant success with about 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones penetrated Israeli air defenses, causing casualties and infrastructure damage. This was the first time Iran is said to have “finally succeeded” in inflicting notable harm after repeated attempts. This is Operation True Promise III
5. Is this linked to Gaza genocide, and is it “karma”?
Iran frames its military response as defending Palestinians, condemning what it calls Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. Critics argue Iran is retaliating not just for its own losses, but also as proxy payback for Palestinian suffering. But calling it “karma” is oversimplifying: international law principles don’t support violence as moral reckoning. Nigeria, like much of Africa, stresses diplomacy over vendetta.
6. Why is President Tinubu acting as peacemaker instead of choosing sides?
President Bola Tinubu and the federal government have consistently avoided backing any side. Instead, they’ve condemned the escalation in equal measure, demanding cessation of hostilities, Why? This is because, as Africa’s most populous nation and a major OPEC oil exporter, Nigeria has economic incentives to prevent regional instability. Nigeria’s approach reflects principles of neutrality, commitment to peaceful resolution, and its non-aligned policy in global geopolitics.
Moreover, this conflict, rooted in decades of tension, nuclear concerns, and proxy wars, has erupted into open warfare. So if Nigeria’s approach, led by Tinubu, does not strategically remain clear and concise in its call for restraint, humanitarian concern, and no partisanship, it can further add to existing tension.
The Naija Lowdown Writer 