Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman alleges Iran sponsors extremist groups, including the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, to spread instability globally

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of sponsoring extremist activities in Nigeria and other regions, alleging that Tehran supports groups aimed at destabilising countries while pursuing hostility against Israel.

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According to the envoy, Iran is the only United Nations member state to openly express a desire to destroy another sovereign nation, citing repeated threats against Israel.

He alleged that Tehran has backed militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah over several decades and was behind the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas against Israel.

The ambassador also claimed that Iranian activities aimed at spreading instability have been observed across Europe, Australia, and parts of Africa.

Speaking specifically about Nigeria, Freeman alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria receives support from the Iranian government.

Freeman referenced statements from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, including social media posts, as evidence of Tehran’s backing.

“The issue here is about Iran. Iran is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, who expressly desires to wipe another country off the face of the earth… We’ve seen these people acting all across the world in order to spread disturbance for them to try and carry out their aim of destroying Israel,” he said.

The ambassador warned that Iran’s influence extends beyond Nigeria to wider West Africa, highlighting the country’s purported efforts to destabilise the region through proxy groups.

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Freeman concluded by emphasising Israel’s stance against nuclear proliferation, asserting that the country will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons while expressing intentions to destroy Israel.