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Iran has moved to calm fears in Kenya that it could become a target as tensions rise in the Middle East following a deadly confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Monday, Iran’s Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Ali Gholampour, assured Kenyans that their country is not under threat. He explained that Kenya does not host a United States military facility capable of launching attacks against Iran, and therefore there would be no reason for Iran to consider Kenya a target.
His remarks come at a time when the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel has sharply escalated. The crisis intensified after strikes carried out by the United States and Israel reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior government officials. The attacks triggered a wave of retaliatory missile strikes by Iran across parts of the Middle East.
Iran’s missiles have reportedly hit several countries in the Gulf and surrounding region, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. The widening scope of the conflict has raised global concerns about regional stability and the safety of civilians.
Ambassador Gholampour strongly condemned the initial strikes against Iran, describing them as a violation of international peace and stability. He said Iran has the right to defend itself under international law and warned that the United States and Israel would bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions. He also called on the United Nations to step in and push for an end to the escalating violence.
Despite the strong words directed at Washington and Tel Aviv, the ambassador made it clear that Kenya is not in Iran’s crosshairs. He repeated that Kenya does not provide a U.S. military installation of strategic importance that could justify any form of retaliation.
The growing conflict has already disrupted air travel across the region. Countries including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates announced partial closures of their airspace following the strikes. The move has affected international flights and raised safety concerns for travelers.
In Kenya, Kenya Airways suspended its flights to Dubai and Sharjah until further notice, citing safety concerns. The decision reflects the uncertainty surrounding the security situation in the Gulf region, which is a key travel and business hub for many Kenyans.
President William Ruto condemned the missile strikes targeting the Gulf region and warned that expanding the conflict beyond its original borders poses a serious threat to global peace and security. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, urging parties involved to pursue de-escalation efforts. The President also highlighted the role of international institutions in resolving the crisis, noting that long-standing multilateral systems remain critical during such dangerous moments in global history.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi issued a travel and safety advisory to Kenyans living in or traveling through the Middle East. The advisory urged citizens to remain cautious, monitor official updates and follow guidance from Kenyan embassies in the region.
At the international level, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the fighting. Iran’s representative accused the United States and Israel of committing possible war crimes by targeting civilians. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that continued military action in the Middle East risks triggering events that could spiral beyond anyone’s control.
As the situation continues to evolve, Kenya’s leaders and diplomatic partners are closely monitoring developments, while Iran maintains that Kenya itself has no reason to fear direct involvement in the conflict.