Iran Urges Kenya to Remain Neutral Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Iran has issued a strong diplomatic appeal to Kenya, urging the East African nation to remain neutral as tensions escalate in the Middle East involving the United States and Israel.
In a statement released by its embassy in Nairobi, Tehran cautioned both the Kenyan government and public against supporting what it described as US and Israeli military actions in the Gulf region. The embassy warned that any political or logistical alignment could have wider consequences, particularly given the strategic importance of global shipping routes.
Iran also dismissed reports suggesting that the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit chokepoint—has been closed. It described such claims as “false and manipulated narratives,” accusing US and Israeli sources of spreading misinformation to influence global opinion and trigger concerns over rising oil prices and shipping costs.
The statement places responsibility for escalating tensions on Washington and Tel Aviv, characterizing their actions as “unlawful military aggression.” At the same time, Iranian officials emphasized that Kenya is not considered a target, while reiterating Iran’s right to self-defense.
The diplomatic warning comes amid reports of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. In response, Kenyan authorities have reportedly placed approximately 400,000 Kenyan nationals living in the Middle East on high alert and called for de-escalation.
Kenya, which depends heavily on imported fuel and goods transported through Gulf-linked maritime routes, faces potential economic risks if the situation worsens. President William Ruto has already cautioned about possible impacts on the country’s economy.
The development underscores increasing geopolitical pressure on African nations as global powers face off in a rapidly evolving crisis. As of now, the Kenyan government has not issued an official response to Iran’s statement.