TEHRAN — Iran has strongly condemned Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic envoy to the breakaway Somaliland region, calling it a flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a conspiracy to destabilize Islamic countries .
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Israel’s action contradicts the UN Charter and international law, warning that Tel Aviv seeks to sow division among regional states .
“This unauthorized measure is in blatant contravention of the UN Charter and international law, and infringes upon the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of an independent state,” Baghaei said in a statement .
Iran Calls for International Action
Baghaei called on the United Nations, the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to confront Israeli expansionism and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations . He described the move as a clear sign of the Zionist regime’s conspiracy to destabilize Islamic countries and cause division among the countries of the region .
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman reminded the UN, the OIC, the African Union, and all countries in the world of their responsibility to confront the Zionist regime’s lawlessness, expansionism, and interference in the internal affairs of other countries .
Strategic Importance of Somaliland’s Location
Somaliland, a self-declared region in northwestern Somalia, lies along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints . This narrow waterway connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, serving as the gateway to the Suez Canal .
Approximately 10 percent of global maritime trade, including a significant portion of oil and natural gas destined for Europe and Asia, passes through the Bab el-Mandeb . Any disruption to this strait directly impacts global energy security and supply chains . Somaliland’s long coastline along this strategic artery gives any power with a foothold there the ability to monitor, influence, or potentially threaten one of the world’s most sensitive maritime routes .
Israel’s Strategic Interest in the Horn of Africa
Israel has long sought to expand its strategic footprint in the Horn of Africa, and Somaliland has emerged as a key target . By strengthening its presence in this breakaway region, Israel aims to establish a foothold near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to counter Iran, secure its maritime lanes, and expand regional alliances .
On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state . The appointment of Michael Lotem as Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland has drawn widespread condemnation from across the international community .
Iran-Somalia Diplomatic Relations
Iran’s condemnation comes amid improving diplomatic ties between Tehran and Mogadishu. In August 2024, Somalia’s then-Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met with Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri in Jeddah on the sidelines of an OIC Executive Committee meeting. Bagheri welcomed the Somali government’s initiative to pave the path for the resumption of ties between the two countries, stating that Islamic countries should boost their ties in line with common interests and benefits .
“We have no restrictions to improve and expand our relations with African states,” Bagheri stressed . Fiqi elaborated on Somalia’s supportive stance on the Palestinian issue and rebuked Israel’s aggression, noting that Somalia respects Iran’s role in supporting the Palestinian issue and defending the rights of the oppressed Palestinian nation .
Somalia Denounces Forged Document
In February 2026, the Federal Government of Somalia officially labeled as fraudulent a document circulating online that purportedly indicated Mogadishu’s reaffirmed support for Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation clarified that the widely shared document was completely counterfeit and was never issued by the federal government .
“The circulating document is fake and was not issued by the Ministry,” the official declaration stated . Authorities strongly advised the public and international media to disregard the forgery and to only consider diplomatic communications published through verified, official government channels .
International Condemnation of Israel’s Move
Iran’s condemnation follows similar statements from numerous countries and international organizations. The African Union, the Arab League, the OIC, and the European Union have all reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty .
In a joint statement issued on April 18, the foreign ministers of 16 countries — including Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Jordan, and Oman — stressed their full rejection of any unilateral actions that undermine the unity and sovereignty of states . They reaffirmed their firm support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as their backing for its legitimate national institutions as the sole representative of the Somali people .
African Union and IGAD Position
The African Union Commission has expressed serious concern and firmly condemned reports indicating Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic envoy to the purported “Somaliland,” reiterating the African Union’s steadfast commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia . The Union maintains its position that Somaliland is not recognized as a separate state .
The East African regional bloc IGAD has also stated that Somalia’s sovereignty is recognized under international law and that unilateral recognition runs contrary to the United Nations Charter and the bloc’s founding agreements .
Background of the Dispute
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during a period of conflict. Despite operating its own government and currency for over three decades, it has not received broad international recognition . The Federal Government of Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its sovereign territory .
Tehran views Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia’s federal territory and asserts that any direct diplomatic engagement with the breakaway region without the consent of the federal government in Mogadishu contradicts international law and United Nations principles regarding the sanctity of a sovereign state’s borders .
Call for Unified International Response
Iran called upon international bodies, including the OIC, the African Union, and the broader international community, to take a unified stand against what it characterized as Israeli “expansionism” and interference in the internal affairs of other nations . The statement comes amid intensifying regional debate and domestic controversy in Somalia following reports of burgeoning ties between Israel and Somaliland .
The Federal Government of Somalia has demanded Israel to immediately withdraw the appointment and has appealed to the international community — including the UN, Arab League, African Union, OIC, and European Union — to oppose any measures jeopardizing the unity of the Somali Republic or attempting to legitimize secessionist movements .
