File Photo: A snap shot of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb.
In a statement, Al-Azhar, the world's leading Sunni Islamic institution, said attacks had targeted Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, as well as countries such as Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
Al-Azhar called on Iran, as a Muslim nation and neighbour, to take an immediate decision to halt all hostilities without conditions, respect the sovereignty of these states, and refrain from any actions that undermine their territorial integrity.
It said strikes on civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, airports, hospitals, and energy facilities, in countries not directly involved in conflict violate international humanitarian law and run counter to Islamic principles protecting human life and dignity.
The statement also voiced support for Egypt’s diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation and called on the international community to prioritize dialogue to prevent further deterioration in regional stability.
Al-Azhar expressed condolences to the victims of the attacks and wished a swift recovery for those injured.
At least 3,700 Iranian missiles and drones have targeted Gulf countries since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on 28 February, where Iran has been targeting Israel and American assets in the Gulf, according to official data compiled by Anadolu Agency.
The UAE has been the most heavily targeted country, followed by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, according to the data.
Oman recorded the fewest incidents, with about 16 drones intercepted or detected.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution condemning Iranian missile attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan after Bahrain submitted the draft on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Iran launched a fresh wave of drone attacks on several Gulf states on Sunday, the latest since the United States and Israel began military strikes against Iran.
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