Tinubu Backs Gulf Nations, Calls for Peace Amid US-Israel Conflict with Iran

Bola Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with Gulf countries amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, praising their restraint and calling for global peace. He made the remarks while receiving diplomats in Abuja. Meanwhile, Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran to allow more negotiations, though tensions remain high following recent military strikes and retaliations.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong support for Gulf countries in the context of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. His remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Middle East, with multiple nations in the region facing security concerns due to escalating military actions and retaliatory measures.
The president commended the Gulf nations for what he described as their resilience and restraint despite the intensity of the situation. He emphasized Nigeria’s alignment with their position and acknowledged the pressures they are currently navigating as the conflict unfolds. According to a statement released by his spokesperson on Thursday, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s diplomatic stance by stating, “Nigeria expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan, in the face of the recent attacks and say that we will always strive for peace and stability across the world.”
He further underscored the importance of global harmony, noting that the current international climate calls for calm and cooperation rather than escalation. “The world needs tranquillity, peace and love. We share that solidarity with all of you in that region,” the statement added, reflecting Nigeria’s broader foreign policy emphasis on peacebuilding and multilateral cooperation.
President Tinubu made these remarks at the State House in Abuja while formally receiving letters of credence from a group of newly appointed diplomats. The delegation included seven ambassadors and two high commissioners, among them representatives from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The presentation of credentials is a standard diplomatic procedure that signifies the official commencement of an envoy’s duties in the host country, and the occasion provided an opportunity for the Nigerian leader to address pressing international developments.
The current crisis intensified after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military strikes on Iran on February 28. The attacks marked a significant escalation in hostilities and prompted swift retaliatory responses from Iran. These countermeasures reportedly targeted Israel directly as well as other countries in the region that host American military installations, thereby widening the scope of the conflict and raising concerns about regional stability.
In response to the growing tensions, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of a ceasefire arrangement with Iran. The move was intended to create additional time and space for diplomatic negotiations aimed at de-escalating the crisis. However, Trump also made it clear that the United States would continue to enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports, signaling that while dialogue remains an option, pressure tactics would still be maintained.
The decision to extend the ceasefire reportedly came just hours before the agreement was due to expire, highlighting the fragile and uncertain nature of the situation. The development reflects ongoing efforts by global powers to manage the conflict while preventing it from spiraling into a broader regional or international confrontation.