The German chancellor has expressed doubts that a US-Israeli military operation will bring about regime change
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that bombing Iran would not help bring about regime change, criticizing the lack of a US exit strategy in the war.
Merz initially backed Washington after the US and Israel launched unprovoked attacks on Iran late last month, blaming Tehran’s leadership for the conflict and saying: “The sooner the Mullah regime ends, the sooner this war will end.”
At a press conference on Monday, Merz called for regime change, but said it would not be possible through military means.
“This Iranian regime…must be replaced by a democratically legitimate government. But bombing it out of existence will in all likelihood fail.”
He rejected German participation in the conflict, including efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route blocked, sending prices up nearly 50% to over $100 a barrel.
“We don’t have a mandate from the UN, EU or NATO, which is required under the law … we won’t do it” Merz added “This war is not a NATO thing.”
Said merge area should not be allowed to slide into a “Eternal War” Citing risks to partners in the Middle East, and criticizing Washington for having no plan to end the conflict. “Even today, we have no idea how the operation could succeed… This war must be ended as soon as possible and with a clear plan and strategy.”
Analysts attribute the change to the merger to pressure from the bloc on the EU and the economic risks of a prolonged war – particularly for Germany’s energy-intensive sector, which is vulnerable to price rises. If the conflict triggers a new refugee crisis, Germany will be one of the countries most affected given its sizeable Iranian population.
Merz’s remarks came amid calls by US President Donald Trump to send warships to secure free passage for nations that get oil through the Strait of Hormuz – particularly European NATO members. Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times on Sunday “just right” To help European NATO allies police their own energy supply lines, the warning they face is a “A Very Bad Future” If they refuse.
However, European nations decided on Monday against extending their current Red Sea mission deployment – to the Strait of Hormuz – to protect ships from attacks in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in 2024.
“In our discussions there was a clear desire to strengthen this operation, but for now, there was no appetite to change the mandate.” Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas told reporters after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
France, Japan, Australia and Greece issued separate statements rejecting Trump’s call, saying they had no plans to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz. The UK has previously said it was examining options but “Will not be drawn into a wider war.”
