Nigerian political economist and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has cautioned that Israel’s recent military strike on Iran’s suspected nuclear facilities could destabilize global peace and security.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Friday, Moghalu called the attack a “dangerous escalation” that threatens the stability of the international order.
“Israel’s attack on what it claims are Iran’s nuclear facilities significantly raises the stakes in an already unstable and anarchic international system,” he wrote. “The move has ignited global debate, especially regarding whether it qualifies as preemptive self-defence under international law.”
Moghalu elaborated on the legal context, explaining that preemptive self-defence—recognized in customary international law—requires a clear and imminent threat, not one based on speculation or long-term concerns.
“Israel appears to view Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat,” he noted. “But whether Iran has reached the so-called ‘point of no return’ in its nuclear development remains a subject of intense international disagreement.”
He warned that Israel’s decision to act unilaterally rather than through diplomatic or multilateral channels could set a troubling precedent.
“This move reflects the gravity of Israel’s security concerns but also marks a serious escalation,” Moghalu said. “By bypassing diplomacy, it risks encouraging similar unilateral actions elsewhere.”
He emphasized that the impact of the strike is likely to go beyond just Israel and Iran, with increased chances of retaliation and wider conflict.
“Tensions in the region are expected to rise, and retaliation—whether direct or via proxies—is likely. With deep-rooted hostility on both sides, the danger of a broader regional war is real.”
Concluding his remarks, Moghalu questioned the legal and moral grounds for Israel’s actions and urged the global community to pay close attention to the erosion of international norms.
“Even if Israel believes it acted within its legal and moral rights, this strike raises serious questions about the rules governing state behavior and the use of force,” he said. “The world must prepare for a period of heightened instability.”
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