As the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran grows more severe, global concern is rising over the potential for escalation into a broader confrontation involving world powers. Meanwhile, Nigerians are growing increasingly anxious about how the repercussions might affect Africa beyond the Middle East region.
The hostilities, now in their eighth day, have seen both nations exchange ballistic missile strikes in a dangerous tit-for-tat escalation.
In an exclusive interview with LMSINT MEDIA, Professor Murtala Muhammad of the Department of History and International Studies at Northwest University, Kano, described this development as a critical escalation in an already volatile relationship.
“This is far from a new crisis,” he stated.
“The animosity dates back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, which brought a government to power that was firmly against Israel.”
According to him, Iran has consistently supported groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, while Israel has responded with targeted airstrikes and intelligence-led operations aimed at reducing Iran’s growing influence in the region.
He emphasized that the current phase of the standoff—especially following the 2023–2024 Gaza War—has shifted from indirect confrontations to open conflict.
This trend took a deadly turn in June 2025, when Israel carried out a barrage of airstrikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear installations, utilizing drones and guided missiles to hit suspected weapons centers and command bases.
Iran retaliated with a series of drone and missile attacks on major Israeli cities. Dozens of deaths and injuries have been reported on both sides, with critical infrastructure hit. Analysts fear these direct military exchanges may lead to a much larger regional conflict.
Widening Global Involvement
What began as a regional standoff is now drawing attention from global powerhouses. Professor Muhammad warned that the United States, Israel’s most powerful ally, is unlikely to remain passive if the crisis deepens further.
“If Iranian actions target U.S. military bases or strategic partners in the region, America will likely respond,” he stated.
“Iran has also grown closer to Russia and China, mainly due to Western sanctions.”
He highlighted growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in drone technology, and pointed out that Iran is already entangled in the conflict in Ukraine.
He added that more nations could inevitably get drawn into the conflict.
“China, while officially neutral, depends on Iranian oil and seeks stronger economic and diplomatic influence in the Middle East.
“Though nations like the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia have normalized ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, distrust persists. Any direct clash between Shia Iran and Sunni Gulf states could deepen regional divides.”
Professor Muhammad also highlighted the global strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Even countries far from the conflict zone may feel its effects. Around 20% of the world’s oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Should the conflict spread to this area, the result could be a global oil crisis.
“European countries may back Israel and the U.S. politically, though they may hesitate to commit militarily. If NATO interests or assets are threatened, the alliance could be pulled in, creating the conditions for a world war.”
Africa’s Exposure to Middle East Tensions
Though thousands of kilometres removed, African nations are not immune from the ripple effects of a potential Middle Eastern war.
Professor Muhammad cautioned that a significant war could disrupt global oil distribution and sharply raise fuel prices, aggravating inflation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Countries across Africa that import oil will feel the sting.
Food prices may skyrocket, worsening hardship across low-income communities,” he said.
The professor also expressed concern about security threats.
“In unstable zones like the Sahel and parts of West Africa, militant factions may take advantage of the disorder.
Some of these groups have ideological or operational ties to Iran or its affiliates.”
The diplomatic impact could also be considerable.
“African nations may find themselves pressured to pick sides.
The African Union is already split over the Israel-Palestine issue, and increased global tension could complicate the AU’s position—especially for states reliant on international military and infrastructure support.”
Nigeria’s National Security Risks
For Nigeria, the implications are particularly serious. The country is grappling with numerous security challenges, from the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast to ongoing banditry in the northwest. Professor Muhammad stressed that the spillover from a major global conflict could make things worse.
“A prolonged confrontation could lead to the influx of weapons, extremist fighters, or ideological propaganda into Nigeria, worsening an already volatile internal security environment.”
On the economic front, he highlighted both potential benefits and dangers.
“The federal government might benefit from rising crude oil prices, but for ordinary citizens, it would mean increased fuel and transport costs,” he noted.
He also predicted that migration patterns could shift.
“If instability escalates in the Middle East, it could create waves of migration with knock-on effects in West Africa and North Africa.
Nigeria, already struggling with internal displacement, would find it hard to cope with additional humanitarian demands.”
Professor Muhammad concluded by warning that foreign donor focus may shift from African countries to active war zones.
“In the event of global war, donor priorities may move to frontlines. That could result in reduced humanitarian and counterterrorism funding for Nigeria.”
He ended with a warning on potential domestic tensions.
“Sectarian divides and political sentiments within Nigeria could be stirred. Given the passionate opinions held by both Muslims and Christians about Middle Eastern issues, the conflict could influence internal unity and politics.”
Recent public reactions observed by LMSINT MEDIA already indicate polarizing views and growing discourse among Nigerian citizens.
Conflict Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
During a recent global press conference, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a decision on potential American intervention would be made within two weeks.
However, mere hours after his remarks, an Iranian missile evaded Israel’s Iron Dome defence system and struck a hospital with catastrophic effect. The world now waits to see how Israel will respond to this new provocation.
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