Museveni Urges Israel, Iran to Recognize Each Other, Backs Two-State Solution

President Yoweri Museveni has called on Israel and Iran to recognize each other’s existence and support a two-state solution, saying it remains the most viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

Museveni made the remarks as tensions in the region continue to escalate amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has now entered its sixth day.

The Ugandan leader said that mutual recognition between the parties and the establishment of two states — Israel and Palestine — is the only sustainable way to end decades of instability in the region.

Reflecting on past discussions with Israeli leaders, Museveni said he had previously raised the matter directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during one of his visits to Uganda.

“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,” Museveni said.

According to Museveni, Israeli leaders have often argued that the Arab world initially rejected the idea of a two-state arrangement.

“For them they say initially the Arabs did not accept a two-state solution. It is true that in one of the conferences in Khartoum the Arabs had said no recognition, but since that time they have accepted. You, Israel, why don’t you implement this?” he said.

Museveni also revealed that he had raised similar concerns with Iranian leaders, urging them to recognize Israel’s existence as part of efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict.

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“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.

However, the Ugandan president rejected that argument, saying historical and religious records indicate that various peoples of the region have long coexisted in the area.

“I said no. 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,” he said.

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns globally, with fears that prolonged fighting could significantly affect the world economy.

Oil prices have already begun rising, and disruptions to air travel have been reported in several parts of the region.

The United States has vowed to continue military operations against Iran, while Iranian leaders have also pledged to resist and respond to the attacks.

Reports indicate that more than 1,000 people have died since the latest escalation began, as international leaders continue to call for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war.