MOGADISHU — Iran has voiced strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, sharply condemning Israel’s reported appointment of a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, in a move that risks escalating geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa.
In a detailed statement issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Tehran described the development as “unacceptable” and a violation of international law, warning that any attempt to engage diplomatically with a region considered part of Somalia without the consent of its federal government undermines the principles of state sovereignty and unity.
“The action taken by the occupying regime in recognizing or dealing with a region belonging to the Federal Republic of Somalia is null and void,” the statement said, referring to Israel. “We firmly support the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Somalia.”
The remarks come amid growing controversy following reports that Israel had named a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland — a self-declared republic that has sought international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but which remains unrecognized by the international community.
Iran warned that such unilateral diplomatic initiatives risk destabilizing an already fragile region, emphasizing that the sovereignty of Somalia is internationally recognized, including by the United Nations. It added that any engagement with
