The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria has rejected allegations by Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, that Tehran is sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria and across the Sahel region.
The Iranian mission issued the statement in Abuja on Friday in response to comments made earlier the same day by Freeman during an interview with ARISE NEWS.
In the interview, the Israeli envoy accused Iran of backing extremist groups in Nigeria and West Africa, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which he alleged receives ideological and operational support from Tehran.
Freeman also claimed that Iran’s activities in Africa form part of a wider global agenda to spread terrorism and destabilise countries beyond the Middle East.
However, the Iranian embassy described the accusations as entirely unfounded and part of what it called a propaganda campaign aimed at deflecting attention from Israel’s own conduct in international affairs.
According to the embassy, the allegations were designed to shift global attention away from what it described as Israel’s record of violence and violations of international law.
The Iranian government also accused Israel of engaging in actions such as the assassination of scientists, government officials and political figures in various countries, including Iran, which it said have been widely criticised as forms of state terrorism.
Tehran further stressed that Iran has itself been a major victim of terrorism over the past decades, with thousands of its citizens killed in attacks.
It said the country has consistently advocated genuine international cooperation in combating terrorism and warned that the concept of counter-terrorism should not be used as a political tool to make baseless accusations against other states.
“The allegations regarding Iran’s role in Nigeria or the Sahel region have no credible basis and should be viewed within the context of this ongoing propaganda effort,” the statement said.
The embassy also reaffirmed that relations between Iran and Nigeria remain friendly and based on mutual respect, shared interests and the principles of international law.
According to the mission, cooperation between the two countries spans several sectors, including trade, education, culture, health, science and technology, as well as diplomatic consultations.
Iran described Nigeria as an important and influential country in Africa and reiterated its commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation within the framework of international law and the mutual interests of both nations.
The embassy further emphasised that Iran’s engagement with Nigeria is transparent and legitimate and has no connection with the security allegations being raised.
In its message to the Nigerian government and public, Tehran said it values its relationship with Nigeria and seeks constructive and long-term engagement with the country and other African nations.
The Iranian mission added that lasting peace, stability and sustainable development can only be achieved through cooperation, dialogue, respect for national sovereignty and adherence to international law.
It also expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in economic, scientific, cultural and technical fields while working together to promote peace, stability and shared prosperity.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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