Iran has strongly condemned the Israeli Foreign Minister’s visit to Somaliland, calling it a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a Tuesday statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the visit was an illegal entry into a region recognized internationally as part of Somalia. He emphasized that the global community consistently stresses respecting Somalia’s unity and sovereignty as an independent UN member.

Baghaei warned that efforts to split Somalia set a dangerous precedent, risking the undermining of the UN’s legal foundations based on respecting borders and sovereignty. He also urged increased international cooperation—especially among Islamic and African nations—to oppose actions that weaken Somalia’s sovereignty, advocating for collective efforts to uphold international law and territorial integrity.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the UN and the global community. Mogadishu insists that foreign interactions with Somaliland without federal approval are illegal.

Israel has not responded publicly to Iran’s remarks. The visit has heightened diplomatic tensions over foreign involvement in Somaliland, raising ongoing issues related to sovereignty, recognition, and stability in the Horn of Africa.