Kenya has called for an urgent multi-stakeholder engagement towards de-escalation on the strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain in the evolving conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement on his socials, President William Ruto condemned the conflict saying it poses a grave threat to international peace and security.
“Kenya calls for urgent multi-stakeholder engagement towards de-escalation. We strongly condemn the strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain in the evolving conflict in the Middle East,” the head of State wrote.
“It is evident that the regionalization of this conflict poses a grave threat to international peace and security. At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for the resolution of the current crisis in the Middle East,” he added.
This comes as Middle East is experiencing a major military escalation following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, with Iran retaliating against US bases and Gulf states, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
The conflict began when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran, targeting key military and governmental sites, including offices linked to the late Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, amid ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Explosions were reported across Tehran, and Israel declared a state of emergency, warning civilians to stay near bomb shelters. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, as well as strikes on Israel.
Initial reports indicate at least 201 people killed and 747 injured in Iran due to the US-Israel strikes.
Missile attacks in Dubai injured four civilians, and multiple explosions were reported in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
Cruise lines and commercial flights have been disrupted, with Air India canceling flights to major cities and maritime navigation temporarily suspended in the Gulf.
