Egypt’s Al-Azhar slams Iran's strikes on Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Gulf states

Al-Azhar has issued a strong condemnation of ongoing attacks by Iran on neighbouring countries, including Azerbaijan and Türkiye, according to BNA.

In its statement, the Cairo-based institution cited strikes targeting multiple countries across the region, including Gulf states such as Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, as well as Jordan, Iraq, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan.

Al-Azhar said that attacks on residential neighbourhoods, airports, hospitals, and energy infrastructure in countries not involved in the conflict constitute violations of international humanitarian law and contradict Islamic principles that emphasise the protection of life, property, and human dignity. It stressed that targeting civilians is unacceptable.

The institution called on Tehran to immediately halt all military operations, respect the sovereignty of neighbouring states, and engage in efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the crisis. It also underscored the urgency of protecting civilian populations and preventing further escalation.

In addition, Al-Azhar expressed support for efforts by Egypt’s leadership to end the hostilities and urged the international community to facilitate dialogue aimed at resolving the crisis, with priority given to security, stability, and the protection of innocent lives.

The statement concluded with expressions of solidarity with the families of those killed and wishes for a swift recovery for the injured.

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, based in Cairo, is widely regarded as the world’s oldest and most authoritative Islamic scholarly and religious institution.

By Tamilla Hasanova