The Federal Government has called for calm and restraint amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, warning that further hostilities could have grave consequences for regional and global stability.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over the deteriorating situation and urged all parties involved to avoid actions capable of worsening the crisis.

Nigeria appealed for maximum restraint, stressing the need to prioritise dialogue over confrontation and to adhere strictly to international law.

“We urge strict adherence to the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions, particularly with regard to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” the statement read.

The government emphasised the importance of exercising caution in the use of force to prevent further civilian casualties and avoid undermining established norms of international law. It noted that preserving the global legal framework that regulates the use of force remains essential for protecting civilian populations and maintaining international order.

Reaffirming its longstanding foreign policy principles of non-alignment, multilateralism, and constructive engagement, Nigeria expressed support for renewed diplomatic initiatives within established international and regional mechanisms to resolve the crisis.

The government also welcomed efforts aimed at mediation, confidence-building, and dialogue, urging all stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions in the interest of collective security and shared prosperity.

Nigeria, the statement added, stands in solidarity with the international community in calling for calm and remains convinced that sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, mutual respect, and faithful adherence to international law.

North Korea has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent military actions against Iran, denouncing them as “illegal state-sponsored terrorism” and calling for an immediate end to what it described as “terrorist” attacks that risk escalating conflict across the Middle East.

In an official statement carried by state media and attributed to a spokesperson for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s foreign ministry, Pyongyang expressed “serious concern” over the strikes launched by Israel, with U.S. support against Iranian territory. The statement framed the attacks as a gross violation of international law and sovereignty, asserting that the killings of civilians and use of force was an “unpardonable crime against humanity.”

“The illegal act of state-sponsored terrorism by Israel … is raising the danger of a new all-out war in the Middle East region,” the North Korean spokesperson said, according to the report. Pyongyang also urged the international community to reject and censure the military operations, which it said risked destabilizing global peace and security.

The comments from Pyongyang come amid a significant escalation in tensions after Israel, alongside the United States, carried out a series of strikes targeting Iranian sites; including locations near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The offensive has triggered retaliatory missile and drone exchanges, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

North Korea’s reaction aligns with its long-standing diplomatic ties with Tehran and reflects its broader opposition to the U.S. and allied military actions in the Middle East. Pyongyang’s foreign ministry also warned Western powers against “fanning the flames of war” and exacerbating the crisis.

International responses to the conflict have varied, with some governments urging restraint and de-escalation after the strikes, while others have focused on protecting their citizens and urging diplomatic solutions.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of one person in Abu Dhabi following Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks earlier today. The victim reportedly died after debris from intercepted missiles struck the city, marking the first known casualty in the Gulf amid the current escalation.

While details about the deceased remain limited, the UAE has stressed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple incoming projectiles aimed at its territory. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging residents to remain vigilant.

Airspace Precautions: The UAE temporarily closed parts of its airspace to civilian flights, with neighbouring Gulf countries, including Qatar and Kuwait, also enacting precautionary closures.

Explosions Reported: Residents in Abu Dhabi reported loud explosions and missile interceptions over the city, creating widespread alarm.

Civil Alerts: Emergency notifications and safety advisories were issued by both local authorities and foreign diplomatic missions.

The casualty comes amid a broader Middle East escalation following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s military infrastructure earlier today. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, the U.S. forces, and neighbouring Gulf states.

Analysts warn the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further civilian impacts in the UAE and across the Gulf region. Governments continue to monitor developments closely, while residents are urged to follow official safety instructions.