The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, has called on Ghana to support international efforts aimed at confronting Iran’s leadership following a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Israel, the United States and Iran that has shaken the Middle East and raised fears of a broader regional war.
The conflict intensified after coordinated military strikes by Israel and the United States targeted key Iranian military and nuclear installations, an operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with approximately 40 senior Iranian political and military officials.
The strikes marked one of the most significant direct confrontations between the two sides in decades, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iran across the Gulf region.
Iran subsequently launched a wave of missile and drone strikes against military installations and strategic infrastructure in at least 11 countries across the Middle East and the Gulf region, including targets in Israel and areas hosting United States military forces.
The escalation has prompted emergency diplomatic meetings and urgent appeals for restraint at the United Nations Security Council.
Speaking on the crisis at a press briefing in Accra, Thursday, March 5, Ambassador Gilad said Ghana and all other nations should join Israel to end the threats by Iran.
The military confrontation follows years of tensions over Iran’s alleged nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and support for armed groups across the Middle East.
Israel has repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions represent an existential threat, while Western governments have accused Tehran of steadily expanding uranium enrichment beyond limits agreed under the 2015 nuclear accord.
Monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities is carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has in recent years raised concerns about the country’s increasing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
Ambassador Gilad argued that the current conflict represents a turning point in the international community’s approach to Iran.
“We hope that this campaign will bring about a strategic change in the administration in Iran,” he said.
According to him, such a change could help end decades of instability across the Middle East.
“That will bring an end to the instability we have had so far and will open the road for a Middle East which is stable, which is peaceful,” he said.
Consequently, the Israeli envoy called on Ghana to play a more visible role in international efforts addressing the crisis.
“I think also the administration in Ghana is aware of it. It’s no secret,” he said. “We also call on the government of Ghana to join its voice.”
He noted that Ghana’s growing influence in international institutions places the country in a strong position to contribute to diplomatic discussions surrounding the conflict.
“Ghana has a very important voice, especially since the last year in Africa and in the international community,” he said.
The ambassador highlighted Ghana’s involvement in nuclear oversight institutions and regional organisations.
“Ghana is an important member of the board of deputies of the International Atomic Energy Agency that is dealing with Iran day in and day out,” he said.
He also pointed to Ghana’s role within the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
“Ghana is an important player at ECOWAS and an important player at the AU,” he said.
“In all those arenas and international forums, we hope that the government of Ghana will join its support for the international campaign.”
The conflict has triggered global concerns over potential disruptions to oil supplies from the Gulf region and heightened security risks across the Middle East.
Several countries have issued travel advisories and reinforced security around strategic infrastructure, while international diplomats continue to push for de-escalation to prevent the crisis from expanding into a wider regional war.
Ambassador Gilad expressed hope that international cooperation would ultimately lead to long-term peace and stability in the region.
“I’m sure this wish is shared by all well-wishers in the world,” he said, “including the government of Ghana.”
Having followed the UN Security Council deliberations held shortly after the military campaign began, Ambassador Gilead further noted.
“Short of Russia and China, I didn’t hear any other state who supports the Iranian narrative.”
According to him, the international community increasingly recognises Iran’s role in regional instability.
“Iran since 1979 eroded its legitimacy,” he said, referring to the Iranian Revolution that established the Islamic Republic. “Legitimate country, yes, but not a legitimate regime.”
The ambassador suggested that some countries continue to support Iran largely for geopolitical reasons rather than ideological alignment.
“They are doing it because of Russia and China, because of geopolitical reasons,” he said.
“But I think that by and large the international community understands that this source of evil in Tehran should be rerouted,” he concluded.
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