President Yoweri Museveni has broken his silence on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, calling on both nations to recognize each other and support a two-state solution as the most viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Ugandan president made the remarks as the region continues to experience heightened tensions, with the conflict now entering its sixth day and involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Museveni emphasized that mutual recognition and the establishment of two independent states — Israel and Palestine — is the only sustainable way to resolve decades of instability and ongoing violence in the region.
Reflecting on his personal interactions with Israeli leaders, Museveni revealed that he has previously raised the issue directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during one of his visits to Uganda.
He recalled, “Netanyahu, who is a very good friend of mine, has come here many times. We were in this house (State House) with him and the President of Sudan. I asked him, why don’t you recognize Palestine? A two-state solution.”
According to Museveni, Israeli officials often argue that Arab nations initially rejected the concept of a two-state solution.
He explained that while it is true that Arab countries, during a conference in Khartoum, initially refused recognition, they have since accepted the two-state arrangement. Museveni questioned why Israel has not yet implemented this plan.
The Ugandan leader further disclosed that he has also raised similar concerns with Iranian officials, urging them to recognize Israel’s existence as part of efforts to find a long-term solution to the conflict.
“I asked the Iranians, why don’t you recognize Israel? They said Israel does not belong here, that it is a transplant in the Middle East,” Museveni said, recounting his discussions.
However, Museveni rejected this argument, citing historical and religious records that indicate multiple peoples have coexisted in the region for centuries.
He pointed out, “I know this part of the world from the Bible. Jews are mentioned, Persians are mentioned, there is another group called the Medians, and Palestinians are also mentioned. So I told them you must accept Israel so that we implement the two-state solution.”
The escalating conflict has raised serious concerns internationally, with fears that prolonged fighting could have significant economic consequences.
Already, global oil prices have started rising, reflecting the potential disruptions to energy supply from the Middle East.
Air travel has also been affected, with flights diverted or delayed due to the instability and security risks in the region.
The United States has vowed to continue its military operations against Iran, while Iranian leaders have pledged to resist and respond to the attacks, further escalating tensions.
Reports suggest that more than 1,000 people have lost their lives since the recent outbreak of violence, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
International leaders have repeatedly called for restraint, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to prevent a wider regional war.
Museveni’s call for mutual recognition between Israel and Iran and the implementation of a two-state solution reflects his longstanding position on peaceful conflict resolution in the region.
He stressed that diplomatic efforts, dialogue, and acceptance of each other’s legitimacy are essential steps toward achieving sustainable peace in the Middle East.
The Ugandan president’s remarks come at a critical time as global powers work to prevent further escalation and maintain stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
As the conflict continues, Museveni’s appeal for recognition and dialogue underscores the importance of diplomacy, historical understanding, and compromise to end decades of tension and violence.
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