21 Arab, Muslim nations condemn Israeli airstrikes on Iran, urge immediate de-escalation

In a strong display of regional unity, 21 Arab and Muslim countries have jointly condemned Israel's recent airstrikes on Iran, calling for an urgent de-escalation of hostilities and renewed commitment to international law and nuclear disarmament.

According to Egypt's state-run news agency MENA, the joint statement was issued yesterday (16 June) following an initiative by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, after extensive consultations with his counterparts across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

Countries that endorsed the initiative include Turkey, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, Gambia, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Egypt, and Mauritania.

The foreign ministers collectively condemned the Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, describing them as "flagrant violations" of international law and the UN Charter, reports Anadolu.

The statement stressed the importance of respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of good neighbourliness.

The ministers voiced "deep concern" over the rapidly intensifying conflict, warning of potentially devastating implications for the security and stability of the wider region. They called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations against Iran and advocated for a comprehensive de-escalation initiative, including efforts toward a ceasefire.

The call for calm comes in the wake of Israel's coordinated airstrikes on Friday targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites.

In response, Tehran launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks.

Israeli authorities have reported at least 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries from Iran's counterattacks. In contrast, Iran claims that over 224 people have died and more than 1,000 have been injured in the Israeli strikes.

Why it matters

This unified call for calm — even from countries with strained ties to Iran or friendly relations with Israel — underscores growing alarm that the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran could destabilise the entire Middle East.

Many of the nations involved are US allies and emphasised that the only viable path forward regarding Iran's nuclear program is a return to negotiations, reports Newsweek.

The conflict has already disrupted nuclear diplomacy between Tehran and Washington and impacted regional air traffic, particularly over Gulf states.

What to know

The Muslim-majority nations expressed "categorical rejection and condemnation" of Israel's airstrikes since 13 June 2025, warning of the "unprecedented escalation of tensions" in the region due to what they described as Israel's ongoing military aggression against Iran.

Israel has expanded its offensive, targeting Iranian missile sites, nuclear research facilities, and reportedly high-level scientists and military officers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the strikes as a "preemptive measure" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran has launched multiple waves of missile attacks into Israeli territory, intensifying fears of a prolonged war. Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian purposes.

The joint statement called for all regional nations to commit to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), specifically pointing out that Israel has not signed the treaty and is widely believed to possess nuclear arms.

Yesterday evening, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, saying, "Everyone in Tehran should immediately evacuate," emphasising the need to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.