Nepal has called on Israel and Iran to avoid further military escalation and instead use dialogue to ensure peace in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a press statement on Friday urging both countries to adopt a peaceful and diplomatic path to resolve the growing tension.
The appeal from Nepal came after Israel launched what it described as a preemptive strike on Iran. This move, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, has escalated fears of broader conflict in the Middle East.
“Nepal urges both sides to avoid escalation and adopt a conciliatory approach for peace and stability in the region and beyond,” MoFA stated. “Use of diplomatic channels for dialogue would be instrumental towards de-escalation of the situation.”
Following the Israeli strike, Defence Minister Katz announced a state of emergency across the country. He warned Israeli citizens about a likely missile and drone retaliation from Iran. “You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” Katz stated.
Israel’s government says it acted to stop what it sees as a direct threat from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Netanyahu introduced Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu declared. He said this was a critical step to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s strikes hit several key Iranian facilities, including its main enrichment plant in Natanz and parts of its ballistic missile program. He also said Israel had targeted top scientists involved in Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons development.
Netanyahu compared the current threat from Iran to events leading up to World War II. “Eighty years ago, the Jewish people were the victims of a holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime,” he said.
In response to the potential danger to its citizens, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that its diplomatic missions in Doha and Tel Aviv are in close contact with the Nepali communities in both Iran and Israel. The Ministry advised all Nepali nationals to stay alert and follow local safety measures.
“All Nepali citizens in both the countries are advised to remain vigilant of the situation, exercise adequate caution and adhere to local advisories,” MoFA emphasized.
Nepal has also expressed concern over the impact of this conflict on regional and global stability. As a nation committed to non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, Nepal continues to call for restraint and responsible action from all sides involved.
Experts say that if the situation worsens, it could trigger further unrest in the already fragile Middle East, affecting not only local populations but also international relations and economies.
Nepal’s timely call for peace and dialogue reflects its longstanding position on peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy. As global concern grows, many other nations may join in urging restraint in the escalating Israel Iran conflict.
