Sixteen Arab and Islamic countries have jointly condemned Israel’s reported decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, warning that the move risks undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and regional stability.

In a joint statement issued in Doha, foreign ministers from countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan said the step constituted a “blatant violation” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

The statement referred to Somaliland as a “so-called” entity, underscoring the signatories’ position that the self-declared republic — which proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 — is not internationally recognised. Somalia’s federal government continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory.

“We reiterate our categorical rejection of all unilateral actions that infringe upon the unity or sovereignty of states,” the ministers said, adding that they fully support Somalia’s federal institutions as “the sole representatives of the will of the Somali people.”

The group also argued that Israel’s reported move contravenes international law, including the United Nations Charter and the founding principles of the African Union, both of which emphasise respect for territorial integrity.

Analysts say the issue is particularly sensitive in the Horn of Africa, where questions of recognition and sovereignty remain closely tied to security and political stability. While Somaliland has developed its own government, currency and security structures over the past three decades, it has struggled to gain formal international recognition.

The ministers warned that any steps perceived as recognising Somaliland could set a “dangerous precedent,” potentially fuelling tensions in the region and complicating efforts to maintain peace and stability.

Israel has not publicly detailed the scope or status of the reported diplomatic appointment.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation in recent talks with the United States in Islamabad, on Saturday accused US President Donald Trump of making multiple false claims.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “The President of the United States made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false.”

Criticising the US administration, he added, “They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either.”

Ghalibaf also warned that if Washington continues its blockade, the Strait of Hormuz may not remain open. He stated that passage through the strait would be regulated via designated routes and subject to Iranian authorisation.

“Whether the strait is open or closed, and the rules governing it, will be determined in the field, not on social media,” he said, adding that media narratives would not influence the Iranian public.

He further urged audiences to rely on official sources, including statements from Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, for accurate updates on negotiations.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday confirmed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, offering temporary relief for global shipping.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the duration of the ceasefire, along coordinated routes already announced by the Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi said in a post on X.

Responding to the development, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran had agreed not to close the strait again, calling it a move that would prevent its use as a “weapon against the world.”

However, he added that the naval blockade would remain in place until a broader “transaction” with Iran is completed.

U.S. President ​Donald Trump said on Thursday that ‌if a deal with Iran to conclude the war is reached and signed in Islamabad, ​he might go, and that Iran ​has agreed to almost everything, Reuters reported.

Trump struck ⁠an optimistic tone about Iran ​as he spoke with reporters on the ​White House lawn on his way to a trip to Nevada and Arizona. He said ​he could extend a U.S.-Iran ​ceasefire set to expire next week, but may ‌not ⁠need to do so.

“If a deal is signed in Islamabad I may go,” Trump said. “They want me.”

He also said ​without providing ​evidence ⁠that Iran has agreed to give up the enriched uranium ​believed buried from U.S.-Israeli airstrikes ​last ⁠year. Trump is pushing for a deal with Iran in which Tehran ⁠would ​give up its nuclear ​program.