JUST IN: Former IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei urges Gulf nations and the UN to stop “madman” Trump
Vienna / Cairo – April 5, 2026 | Reflecto News
Mohamed ElBaradei, former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has issued a strong public appeal urging Gulf states and the United Nations to intervene urgently and halt what he described as escalating “madness” under President Donald Trump’s leadership in the Iran conflict.
In posts on X (formerly Twitter), ElBaradei directly addressed Gulf governments in Arabic: “Please, once again, do everything in your power before this madman turns the region into a ball of fire.” In a separate English-language post tagging the UN and European Union, he asked, “Nothing can be done to stop this madness?!”
ElBaradei’s Warning
The 83-year-old former IAEA chief, who led the agency from 1997 to 2009 and shared the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, expressed deep alarm over the trajectory of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. His remarks come hours after President Trump issued a fresh 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning of severe consequences if Tehran does not “make a deal” or fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
ElBaradei’s intervention highlights growing international concern over the risk of broader regional conflagration, especially amid:
- Reports of over 50 senior Iranian officials killed in recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran.
- Coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on petrochemical facilities and discussions within Trump’s circle about targeting power plants and bridges.
- Ongoing U.S. combat search and rescue operations inside Iran following the downing of an F-15E Strike Eagle.
- IAEA “deep concern” regarding strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Context in the Escalating Conflict
ElBaradei’s call arrives as Operation Epic Fury enters a critical phase:
- Ceasefire talks remain deadlocked after Iran rejected the U.S. 15-point peace proposal and refused mediated meetings in Islamabad.
- Iran has authorized humanitarian and essential goods shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with limited successful transits reported.
- Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue diplomatic outreach for de-escalation, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni engages with Gulf leaders.
- Global energy markets stay tense, with Russia reaffirming it will not seek external permission for its oil supplies.
The former IAEA chief has a long history of cautioning against military solutions to nuclear and regional disputes, having previously criticized the 2003 Iraq invasion on similar grounds of insufficient evidence and high risk of destabilization.
Reactions and Implications
- Gulf States: ElBaradei’s direct appeal puts pressure on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other neighbors, many of whom have maintained cautious stances while balancing security concerns with economic ties.
- International Community: His tagging of the UN, EU, China, and Russia signals a call for multilateral action to prevent further escalation that could draw in more actors or cause widespread humanitarian and environmental damage.
- U.S. Administration: No immediate response from the White House has been issued, but Trump has continued to frame military pressure as necessary leverage for a deal.
Analysts note that ElBaradei’s intervention, while symbolic, amplifies voices calling for diplomacy over continued strikes, especially as civilian infrastructure risks and nuclear safety concerns mount.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring any responses from Gulf capitals, the UN, or the Trump administration, as well as developments on the ground in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. This remains a fast-moving and highly charged situation with potential for rapid escalation.
By Reflecto News Desk
Sources: X posts by Mohamed ElBaradei, ANI, Economic Times, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and international wire services.