Berlin, June 24 (UNI) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that the Israeli and US strikes against Iran would permanently dissuade Tehran from pursuing its goals for nuclear weapons.
“Not only Israel, but also Europe and the world as a whole are threatened by this Iranian nuclear programme,” Merz told lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, the Times of Israel reported.
Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in The Hague this week, Merz warned that the conflict with Iran must not be allowed to plunge the region into war and said Berlin is making all possible diplomatic efforts to that end.
Germany has been one of the most vocal opponents of the Iranian regime and its nuclear ambitions, openly supporting Tel Aviv’s actions against Tehran, including the US strikes on Iran’s three key nuclear facilities.
“There is no reason for us to criticise what Israel started in Iran a week ago, nor is there any reason to criticise what America did there last weekend,” he posted on X on Monday afternoon, repeating comments he made at the event. “It’s not without risk. But leaving things as they were wasn’t an option either.”
He had also praised Israel’s June 13 attacks on Iran, stating that Tel Aviv was doing everyone’s “dirty work” in its attacks against the Islamic Republic.
UNI ANV RN