*Photo: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei*
Three Nigerian based Muslim groups have condemned the joint US-Israeli military airstrike against Iran which has resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The three groups, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Muslim Rights Concern( MURIC) and Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) conveyed the condemnation in separate press statements.
MPAC, in its statement signed by Disu Kamor, Executive Chairman said “The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) unequivocally condemns the joint operation by the United States and Israel that resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“This brazen act of state-sponsored terrorism represents a dangerous rupture in international order, a reckless assault on sovereignty, and a grave violation of international law whose consequences will reverberate far beyond the Middle East.
“Reports indicate that a coordinated strike on Tehran targeted the Supreme Leader’s compound, allegedly killing several high-ranking officials, including his security adviser and the commander-in-chief of the IRGC. The operation, reportedly code-named “Epic Fury,” was carried out on the pretext of stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite explicit warnings from Iran that such aggression would provoke severe retaliation. Iran, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), is committed to not developing nuclear weapons and currently under the most intrusive and stringent surveillance and monitoring in NPT history, while Israel, not being a signatory, is widely reported to possess a substantial nuclear arsenal.
“This heinous development reflects a disturbing pattern of impunity and disregard for international norms. The targeted killing of a sitting and internationally recognized leader is not merely an act of hostility; it is a calculated escalation capable of plunging an already fragile region into prolonged instability. The martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, under these circumstances, will be perceived across the Muslim world as an attempt to destabilize the region and entrench US–Israeli dominance in Middle Eastern affairs.
“Iran has vowed to respond. Given the entrenched tensions between Iran and the US–Israel axis, the risk of escalation is immediate and severe. Gulf nations perceived to have cooperated with the United States and Israel may find themselves exposed to retaliatory calculations. The possibility of the crisis engulfing the broader region is no longer speculative – it is real and imminent. The international community must therefore act with urgency and responsibility to prevent a catastrophic spiral.
“MPAC calls on the global community to condemn this act of aggression in clear and unambiguous terms. Silence in moments like this is complicity. Governments must demand accountability, reaffirm the sanctity of sovereignty, and take concrete diplomatic steps to de-escalate tensions and restore adherence to international law.
“Given the historical record of the United States and Israel in destabilizing regions, toppling governments, including democratic governments, and eliminating recognized leaders, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre warns the Nigerian government to exercise utmost caution in its engagements with these two major destabilizing forces of global peace and stability. The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader while peaceful negotiations were reportedly ongoing sends a chilling message about the reliability and intentions of these actors. It reinforces longstanding concerns about duplicity in the conduct of international relations.
“This is not an isolated episode. Iran has previously faced hostilities even while engaged in diplomatic processes. The signal sent by this operation is deeply troubling: that power may be exercised without restraint, and that the so-called rule-based order is selectively applied.
“MPAC therefore cautions Muslim leaders worldwide that alliances built on unequal power dynamics and strategic convenience must be approached with prudence. History teaches that geopolitical patronage often comes at a devastating cost.
“In light of these developments, MPAC calls on Nigerian Muslims to stand in prayerful solidarity with Iran as it confronts threats from Israel, the United States, and their regional allies. At the same time, we urge restraint, wisdom, and civic responsibility. Under no circumstances should external conflicts be allowed to fracture Nigeria’s internal peace or compromise national stability.
“Finally, MPAC reiterates its demand for international accountability. The US and Israel have consistently demonstrated their disdain for international law and the rules-based order, posing a significant threat to global peace and stability. Their actions undermine the principles of the United Nations and the Geneva Conventions, which aim to protect civilians and prevent unilateral actions by powerful nations. US unilateralism has emboldened Israel to act with impunity, and together they are eroding the international order. The world must recognize that this is not just an attack on Iran, but an attack on the very fabric of international law and diplomacy. Their actions are sending a dangerous message: that might makes right, and that nuclear weapons are the ultimate guarantor of security. This is a recipe for disaster and proliferation.
“The world must now choose whether it stands for law and order – or for the normalization of might over right.”
MURIC, on its part described the attacks as outrageous, unlawful aggression and an assault on international law and order.
MURIC’s reaction was expressed in a press release issued on Sunday, 1st March, 2026 by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
He said:
”The supreme leader of the Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint US-Israel bombing of Iran yesterday, Saturday, 28th February, 2026.
“We strongly condemn this killing. It is extremely outrageous, preposterous and unlawful. The attack constitutes an assault on international law and order.
”By attacking Iran while peaceful negotiations were going on, the US and Israel have sent a strong, negative and most dangerous signal to the world that this is the age of criminal aggression, the end of friendly relations based on mutual trust, the era of ‘might is right’ and the demise of trans-atlantic transparency.
”MURIC admonishes Muslim leaders around the world to trust the US and its Western allies at their own risk and to expect daggers and bullets instead of handshakes and salads at the table.
“Within Nigeria, we call on Muslims to shun official engagements with leaders of other religious groups but to continue to be good neighbours to all, loving, giving and tolerating. At the same time, we urge Nigerian Muslims to remain peaceful and law abiding but vigilant. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”
Also reacting, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria issued a press statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator Alh. Ibrahim Abdullahi and the National Publicity Secretary Dr. Idris Agbabiaka.
The goup said the “carnage committed in Iran is a testimony to the wickedness of the two governments and recalciltrant behaviour of America and Israel leaders.”
This development the group maintained is not strange to close watchers of America and Israel “as the their trajectory is full of terrorism, aggression and unprovoked attacks on various nations wrongfully.”
The group expressed astonishment that “despite World Leaders appeal to the America’s Donald Trump and Israeli Leader – Netanyahu – including several warnings issued against precipitation of any war this time by the UN Secretary- General Anthonia Guterez of Portugal, these two Leaders ignored the wise men’s appeal and proceeded to unleash their terror on peace-loving people of Iran.”
MMWG therefore called on World leaders to “rise, condemn and stop Israel and America from turning other nations to war zones for their selfish interests as the destruction of innocent lives and property has it’s repercussion that would cut across various nations.”