Middle East conflict: Merz calls for diplomacy
Iran reacts with drone attacks after Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. German Chancellor Merz calls for deescalation.
Berlin (d.de) – Escalation of the conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran has resulted in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling for both sides to “refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region.” Germany is prepared to “use all possible diplomatic means at its disposal to exert influence on the parties to the conflict.”
Overnight, Israel had launched a major attack on Iranian cities and nuclear facilities. Israel claims that Iran has responded with drone attacks.
Merz said that the aim must still be that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. The Chancellor also reiterated that “Israel has the right to defend its existence and its citizens.”
Merz held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu early in the morning. Merz then called a meeting of the German security cabinet. “We discussed the situation based on the information we have”, stated Merz.