The African Union has warned that the air strikes carried out by the United States and Israeli forces against Iran on Saturday will worsen the insecurity and economies of countries on the continent and global instability.

In a statement on Saturday, AU chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf appealed to the warring countries to adopt dialogue and abide by international law and the United Nations Charter.

Mr Youssouf said the bloc was “deeply concerned” about the strikes, warning that the escalation “marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East.”

“The chairperson calls for restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained dialogue, stressing that all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security.

“The chairperson warns that further escalation threatens to worsen global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience—particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute,” the statement said.

Mr Youssouf called on all concerned actors to prioritise diplomatic engagement, including ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, to prevent further deterioration and uphold the international rules-based order.

According to the AU chair, sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not force.

Earlier on Saturday, the U.S. and Israel launched deadly strikes on Iran, targeting the office of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and nuclear sites.

Amid the attack, American President Donald Trump, in a broadcast, declared the U.S. is out to eliminate members of Iran’s “terrible regime.”

Mr Trump said his government is carrying out “major combat operations” in Iran, charging the citizens to take over the government.