Iran condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as ‘baseless’ and destabilising: Video
Iran has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as an attempt to fragment Islamic countries and destabilise the region.
Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, December 29, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the recognition was “fundamentally baseless and meaningless,” arguing that it violated Somalia’s territorial integrity.
“Recognising a part of an independent country, Somali territory, by a party whose own existence is illegitimate is an action solely aimed at fragmenting Islamic countries and destabilising the region,” Baghaei said.
Israel announced on Friday, December 26, that it had officially recognised the Republic of Somaliland and its right to self-determination. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced during a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government and years of civil war. While it has since functioned as a self-governing entity with its own institutions, it has not been formally recognised as a sovereign state by any country, despite maintaining ties with several African and European states as well as the United States.
Israel’s move has drawn criticism from across the region. The Arab League Council, meeting at the level of deputy foreign ministers, denounced the decision, describing it as “an attack on Arab national security.”
During the same press conference, Baghaei also commented on remarks by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani about Baghdad’s efforts to mediate between Tehran and Washington. He dismissed talk of renewed negotiations, saying it was “unrealistic to speak of negotiations when the process lacks basic diplomatic etiquette.”
Iran has repeatedly said negotiations with the United States are futile, despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran is seeking a deal over its nuclear programme.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
