Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is deeply concerned about escalating hostilities in the Middle East, including reported missile attacks by Iran targeting the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states.

In a statement, Browne condemned attacks against the territorial integrity of states that are not direct parties to a conflict, describing such actions as a serious breach of international law and a threat to stability in an already fragile region.

Earlier on February 28, the United States and Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Iran.

Browne specifically referenced reported attacks affecting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other states in the Gulf region.

The Prime Minister echoed calls from the international community urging Iranian leaders to engage in good-faith negotiations to address regional security concerns, saying dialogue is essential to reduce tensions and restore stability.

Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and stressed that adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter must remain central to international peace and security.

“At this critical juncture, we urge maximum restraint by all actors and call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities,” the statement said, warning that expanding military confrontation places civilian populations at grave risk.

The government also joined calls by the international community, including António Guterres, for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration and uphold the rule of law.

Antigua and Barbuda expressed solidarity with affected populations and voiced hope that dialogue and diplomacy, rather than force, would ultimately prevail.

US President Donald Trump said the joint attacks were aimed at “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

Announcing that combat operations had begun, Trump urged Iranians to rise up against what he described as a dictatorial regime.

“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” he said in a video address.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing the Judiciary of Minab, reported that at least 85 people died after an airstrike struck a girls’ school.

Iran responded by launching strikes against Israel and US bases in the Gulf, declaring that it considered all US and Israeli interests and assets in the region legitimate targets.