As Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly emphasised, the Iranian regime has posed a threat for years – to the entire region and beyond. It threatens Israel's existence, is responsible for the terror of Hamas and Hezbollah, and has repeatedly supported international terrorism. Iran's nuclear and missile programmes threaten peace and security. Indiscriminate attacks on direct neighbours and Gulf states are destabilising the entire region.

"The Iranian people have the right to determine their fate," said Merz. The USA and Israel have been carrying out massive military strikes against the Iranian regime since 28 February. The Chancellor is in close contact with European partners, the USA and Israel as well as partners in the region. Under the direction of the Chancellor, the National Security Council met regarding the situation in the Middle East on 1 March in Berlin.

Terror of the regime must end

Federal Chancellor Merz made clear where the Federal Government stands on the Iranian regime: "The mullah regime is a regime of terror that is responsible for the decades-long oppression of the Iranian people," he said in a press statement on 1 March. Germany shares the USA's interest in "stopping the terror of this regime and stopping its dangerous nuclear and ballistic armament". However, the actions by the USA and Israel to use military strikes to end the ongoing conflict, which has been going on for decades, were not without risk.

In a statement on 6 March, Chancellor Merz pointed out: “However, as the fighting continues and spreads, we also see growing risks.” These risks concern the security of Israel and Germany’s partners in the region, especially in the Gulf, as well as the statehood and territorial integrity of Iran. 

The Federal Chancellor expressed the hope that the military actions would be ended as soon as possible. 

“An endless war is not in our interest,” he said. A collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought there could have far-reaching consequences for Europe, including for security, energy supply and migration. The Chancellor also emphasised: Germany wants to contribute to a new order of peace and stability in the Middle East -– the Iranians deserve a better future. At the same time, Germany is not involved in the military strikes.

Iran called on to cease military strikes

Together with France, the United Kingdom and its European partners, the Federal Government has repeatedly called on Iranian leadership to halt its nuclear programme, refrain from military strikes and end the violence against its own population. Germany, France and Great Britain urged Iran to stop its military strikes against Israel and other partners in the region.

Germany has also issued joint statements with France and the UK on the situation in the Middle East: E3 Statement on indiscriminate Iranian attacks on countries in the region / E3 Joint Leaders' Statement on Iran.

Federal Government supports German citizens in the region

The Federal Government supports German holidaymakers and travellers in the region. The crisis team at the Federal Foreign Office is also working intensively on the situation of German citizens in the region. Many people who are currently in the region or have relatives there have questions about the current situation. Answers to the most frequently asked questions are available through the Federal Foreign Office.

Clear signal against brutal violence in Iran

The EU states, including Germany, have listed the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation since a formal resolution on 19 February. This was preceded by protests against the regime by people in Iran at the turn of the year. The regime's response was brutal violence. As a result, the Federal Government strongly advocated within the EU for listing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

Germany is in active dialogue with partners

Developments in Iran were already a topic during the Federal Chancellor's trip to the Gulf at the beginning of February. In talks in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Chancellor emphasised three points: The Iranian regime's violence against its own population must cease immediately. Iran must stop its military nuclear programme and put an end to its destabilising activities in the region. 

Sanctions against Iran 

The EU has already adopted several sanctions packages against Iran due to the human rights situation. The Federal Government has expressly supported and promoted them. Sanctions against Iran due to its nuclear programme are also in effect again – at the initiative of Germany, Great Britain and France.