Israel Accuses Iran of Sponsoring Terrorism in Nigeria, Tehran Fires Back: ‘Unfounded Propaganda’

A diplomatic war of words has erupted in Abuja after Israel accused Iran of backing terrorist activities in Nigeria, a claim swiftly rejected by Tehran as “entirely unfounded” propaganda.

The sharp exchange followed an interview granted by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, on Arise TV, where he alleged that the Iran government actively sponsors terrorism globally, including in Nigeria.

Freeman pointed to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), claiming the group operates as a proxy influenced by Iran’s leadership.

According to the envoy, Tehran’s strategy over decades has been to export its revolutionary ideology by supporting militant groups and destabilising sovereign nations.

“For 47 years, Iran has had a policy of ‘Death to Israel, Death to America.

Its entire apparatus and state structure has been sponsoring terrorism and organizations around the world to kill Israelis, kill Jews, and spread terror,” Freeman said.

He further justified Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran as necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons capable of threatening Israel’s existence.

“We have seen Iran developing a ballistic missile program and a nuclear program. When a country says they want to destroy you and they are trying to build a nuclear weapon, it is absolutely justified. It is a moral obligation to stop a country that wants to destroy us,” he stated.

Freeman also dismissed claims that Israel was initiating the conflict, arguing that Iran had been hostile toward Israel for decades.

“Israel absolutely did not make the first move. Iran has been attacking Israel for 47 years,” he said.

The Israeli ambassador also linked Iran to a number of international terror operations, including attacks in Argentina and Bulgaria, and accused the regime of suppressing dissent at home.

“Nigeria has been on the receiving end of terrorism from Iran. Iran sponsors all the major terror organizations: Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and groups in Iraq.

We have seen Iran carry out terror bombings in Argentina and Bulgaria. Less than two months ago, millions of Iranians protested against the regime, and the regime’s response was to gun them down. Between 30,000 and 70,000 Iranians were shot dead. This is an illegitimate government,” Freeman said.

Responding to questions about Israel’s nuclear capability, Freeman insisted that Israel’s position has remained consistent.

“First, Israel has never said that we have nuclear weapons. That is your statement. Israel’s policy has always been that we won’t be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons into the region,” he said.

He also defended Israeli military strikes against Iran, arguing that the goal was to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and allow the Iranian people to determine their own political future.

“Our aims are to ensure Iran does not have the capability to wipe Israel off the map. We will destroy their ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities and weaken the regime that massacred its own people. We will give the Iranian people the opportunity to decide the future of their country,” he added.

Freeman also criticised Iran’s decision to invest heavily in rebuilding its nuclear infrastructure despite domestic economic challenges.

“In the 12-day war, we set back Iran’s programme. However, over the last year, the Iranian leadership – while their people have no water and face an economic crisis – decided to invest $1 billion into rebuilding a new nuclear programme deeper underground.

They refused to negotiate or give up enrichment. If they had invested the billion dollars into their people instead of missiles and terrorists, we wouldn’t be here,” he said.

The Israeli envoy also dismissed accusations that Israel was responsible for civilian casualties in the conflict.

“Israel follows the laws of war and carries out pinpoint strikes to minimize civilian casualties. Iran, on the other hand, targets civilians in Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh. Their missiles have killed children and the elderly. It is Iran that is carrying out war crimes,” he said.

Freeman also suggested closer security cooperation between Nigeria and Israel in addressing extremism.

“It is well-documented that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is backed by the Iranian regime. Ayatollah Khamenei even posted his support on X.

Regarding the second part, Nigeria and Israel are strong allies. As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, we are eager to partner with Nigeria according to Nigeria’s needs and desires to tackle instability,” he said.

However, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, rejected the accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

Reacting in an interview, Raja said Israel was attempting to divert global attention from its own actions through what he described as a propaganda campaign.

“Such allegations are entirely unfounded and form part of a propaganda campaign by a regime that has a long record of violence and violations of international law,” Raja said.

He stressed that Iran has itself suffered from terrorism and remains committed to international cooperation in combating extremism.

The envoy also emphasised that relations between Iran and Nigeria remain friendly and based on mutual respect and cooperation.

“Iran regards Nigeria as an important and influential country in Africa and seeks constructive, long-term engagement with Nigeria and all African countries,” he said.

Raja noted that bilateral relations between both countries cover areas such as trade, education, science, culture, health, and diplomatic collaboration.

The diplomatic exchange comes amid intensifying military confrontation between Israel, Iran and the United States following coordinated strikes in February 2026 targeting Iranian strategic facilities.

The operations, known as Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, targeted air defence systems and nuclear infrastructure in Iran, prompting retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory and U.S. military installations in the Gulf.

The conflict has also drawn in Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah, which has launched rockets into northern Israel, triggering counterstrikes on Lebanese territory.

Analysts say the escalating tensions are beginning to affect global energy markets, particularly shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for international oil supplies.

As of early March 2026, the confrontation shows little sign of easing, with military operations continuing and diplomatic tensions deepening across multiple regions, including Africa.