AU Condemns Conflict in Middle East as Iran Leader is Killed in US-Israel Strikes

ADDIS ABABA — The African Union has strongly condemned the escalating conflict in the Middle East that followed joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In an official statement released on February 28, 2026, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, denounced recent missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against several Gulf countries as “a clear violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He said the actions risked further destabilising the region at a time when restraint was urgently needed.

“The African Union Commission stands in full solidarity with the governments and peoples of the affected states,” the statement said, referring to attacks on Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Calls for de-escalation and diplomacy

Mr Youssouf urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint, immediately reduce tensions and return to dialogue and diplomacy as the only realistic pathway to peace and stability in the Middle East. He reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, respect for international law, and resolving disputes through constructive engagement rather than force.

In related developments, major international news outlets reported that Khamenei was killed on February 28 in a large-scale air campaign by U.S. and Israeli forces that also targeted senior Iranian officials and infrastructure in Tehran. The operation — described by Western officials as a coordinated effort to degrade Iran’s military capabilities — has triggered retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran against regional targets and raised fears of wider conflict.

The AU’s statement echoes similar calls from world leaders and multilateral organisations urging restraint and warning that the conflict could have serious global repercussions. The African Union also stressed that honouring international law and restoring diplomatic channels is crucial to preventing further escalation.

Regional and global concerns

The African Union’s warning comes as governments worldwide express alarm at the rapid escalation of hostilities following the reported death of Iran’s leader. Many international reactions stress the need to protect civilians, prevent a wider war, and find peaceful solutions through negotiations and United Nations mechanisms.

The evolving situation continues to attract global attention, with efforts underway in various diplomatic forums to encourage dialogue and reduce the risk of wider instability.