The African Union urged cooler heads to prevail on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, warning that conflict could risk harming people on the continent.
The pan-African body’s head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf called “for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue”.
“Further escalation risks worsening global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience — particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute.”
The strikes come amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme amid talks with the United States.
Witnesses reported a powerful explosion in Iran’s capital, Tehran, with thick smoke rising, while the Iranian government has yet to comment, Reuters news agency reports.
Explosions also heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, according to Fars News Agency.