ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 28 -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Saturday expressed "deep concern" over the military escalation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation threatens to worsen global instability.

In a statement issued Saturday, the chairperson said he is "deeply concerned by the reported military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside Iran, an escalation that marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East."

At least 51 students killed as US-Israel strikes on Iran escalate into regional crisis

Calling for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue, Youssouf stressed that all parties must act fully ...