As military tensions between Israel and Iran raise concerns across the region, eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Algeria, have issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli strikes. Morocco, however, chose not to take part in the initiative. Its absence has drawn attention, particularly as several political parties and civil society groups within the country have strongly denounced the offensive against Tehran. Foreign ministers from several Arab and Islamic countries have issued a joint statement condemning the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran. The statement, published by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was endorsed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Algeria, Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, and Mauritania. Notably, Morocco chose not to join this expression of solidarity with Tehran. The signatories «reject and condemn the Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as all actions that violate international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter». They called for «respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to the principles of good neighborliness, and the resolution of disputes through peaceful means». بيان مشترك في ظل التطورات الإقليمية المتسارعة وتصاعد حالة التوتر لحدود غير مسبوقة في الشرق الأوسط نتيجةً للعدوان الإسرائيلي على الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية، يؤكد السادة وزراء خارجية كل من المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية، ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، وجمهورية باكستان الإسلامية،… pic.twitter.com/I1a5Hf4Psc — وزارة الخارجية وشؤون المغتربين الأردنية (@ForeignMinistry) June 16, 2025 Expressing «deep concern over this dangerous escalation, which threatens the security and stability of the entire region», the ministers emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and establish a ceasefire. In their joint statement, the diplomats also urged all parties «not to target nuclear facilities, which are protected by the International Atomic Energy Agency in accordance with relevant UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions». They warned that any such attack would be «a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian law under the 1949 Geneva Conventions». Moroccan Parties Condemn Israeli Strikes The statement also addressed threats by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz following the Israeli strikes. The ministers underlined «the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in international waters in accordance with international law» and of safeguarding global maritime security. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and beyond. While Morocco's government has remained silent on the latest developments, several Moroccan political parties and civil society groups have voiced strong opposition to the Israeli strikes. These include the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), the Al Adl wal Ihsane movement, the Democratic Left Federation, and several pro-Palestinian and anti-normalization organizations. They have condemned what they describe as «Zionist aggression against the Iranian people». Morocco severed diplomatic ties with Iran on May 1, 2018, accusing Tehran, via its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, of supporting the Polisario Front. Iran has recognized the self-proclaimed «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic» (SADR) since 1980.
