Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, has strongly condemned Israel's recent decision to recognize Somaliland, a self-declared region in Somalia, as an independent state. Baqaei emphasized Iran's support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing the Israeli move as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the East African nation.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei accused Israel of violating fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law by supporting a conspiracy to divide a Muslim country. He highlighted Iran's commitment to preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, characterizing Israel's actions as part of a broader strategy to destabilize regional countries and increase insecurity in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.

Baqaei praised the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the African Union for their condemnation of Israel's actions, urging the international community to take decisive measures against what he termed the expansionist policies of the Israeli regime. The recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state by Israel has drawn significant criticism globally, with Somalia's government labeling the move as an attack on its sovereignty and an unlawful attempt to divide the nation, reiterating that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of Somalia.