Iran war: Germany's chancellor strikes a cautious tone
Deutsche Welle
March 2, 2026
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Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed strong condemnation for Iran's regime but stopped short of criticizing the military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States. While he acknowledged that appeals to international law had failed to achieve results, Merz emphasized the risks and uncertainties surrounding the situation in the Middle East. He warned that Iran poses a significant threat to regional stability, particularly through its support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and called for an end to what he described as "the terror of these regimes." However, Merz refrained from making a definitive legal judgment on the airstrikes, instead highlighting the potential risks of military action and the lack of clarity about whether it would lead to meaningful political change.
The German government is adopting a cautious stance, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also expressing reservations. Wadephul noted that Germany does not seek regime change in Iran but acknowledged the regime's role in supplying Russia with drones for its war in Ukraine. He emphasized that it was not appropriate to make a final legal assessment at this time. This cautious approach mirrors Germany's response earlier this year to the US operation involving former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, where the government also avoided taking a definitive position.
Merz's comments come ahead of his planned visit to the United States, where he will meet with President Trump. The Chancellor's trip underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic ties and navigating the complexities of the situation in Iran. Meanwhile, German officials are also concerned about the potential for escalation spreading to Europe, particularly targeting Jewish institutions. Federal Commissioner Felix Klein has warned that Iran could use its networks to carry out terrorist attacks on European soil.
The situation highlights the delicate balance Germany is trying to strike between supporting its allies' goals and advocating for de-escalation through diplomacy. While Merz shares the objective of ending Iran's nuclear program, he caution against rushing into actions with unpredictable consequences. The German government's approach reflects a broader recognition of the risks involved in addressing the Iran crisis, both regionally and globally.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 3/2/2026