German leaders blast Iran war as 'dubious,' warn of catastrophic escalation

2026-03-16 - 22:42

Germany's top leaders issued sharp criticism Monday of the ongoing military campaign against Iran, with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier questioning its legal basis and Chancellor Friedrich Merz warning that no military solution exists for the conflict. Their remarks come as the US-Israeli offensive against Iran enters its third week, having already claimed more than 1,300 lives including a former Iranian leader. President questions war's legitimacy Speaking to journalists in Panama City at the start of a Latin American tour, Steinmeier declared that the war "was launched on a dubious basis under international law" and described the military conflict as "politically disastrous." He warned that "just as disastrous would be a further escalation of the war, for which we have indeed seen many signs in recent days." The German president noted that Iran possesses extensive capabilities to disrupt the strategic Strait of Hormuz over the long term using low-intensity military means. "We should therefore bring the hostilities to an end as soon as possible and, above all, work toward that goal with all parties involved," he urged. Nuclear deal collapse lamented Steinmeier recalled his tenure as foreign minister when diplomatic efforts successfully neutralized the Iranian threat through the 2015 nuclear agreement. "And then President Trump withdrew from that agreement during his first term," he noted, implicitly linking that decision to the current crisis. His comments reflect longstanding European frustration with Washington's abandonment of the multilateral accord. Chancellor rules out naval role Earlier Monday, Chancellor Merz also demanded a swift end to the war and flatly ruled out deploying German naval forces to the Gulf for tanker escort missions. "The Iran war must be brought to an end as quickly as possible and with a clear plan, with a strategy," Merz told a Berlin news conference. "There will be no military solution, only a political one. I can only urge all parties involved to seek a political solution. Germany stands ready to contribute." His statement underscores Berlin's determination to avoid being drawn into the widening conflict while positioning Germany as a potential mediator.