German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday offered unequivocal support for the United States following its strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, adopting a firmer stance than many of his European counterparts.
“There is no reason to criticise what America did over the weekend. Yes, it involves risk. But simply leaving the situation as it was was not an option,” Merz declared during a speech to the Federation of German Industries.
Describing Iran as a “terror regime,” the Chancellor pointed to Tehran’s long-standing hostility towards Israel, which he said had endured Iranian aggression for years through its financial backing of Hamas, Hezbollah, armed groups in Iraq, and other factions across the globe.
The US airstrikes came in the wake of Israel’s large-scale offensive on June 13, targeting Iranian missile sites, nuclear infrastructure, military leaders, and security forces.
Iran’s uranium enrichment programme has been a longstanding point of friction with both the West and Israel, who suspect Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons—allegations Iran has consistently denied.
While some European nations, including France, have voiced concern over the latest US military action, Merz argued that the strikes were justified, citing intelligence suggesting Iran was continuing its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“No one requires underground facilities buried 100 metres deep to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes,” he said.
Merz has repeatedly voiced strong backing for Israel’s actions against Iran. Last week, he referred to Israel’s operations as “the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us.”
Speaking through his spokesman Stefan Kornelius on Sunday, the Chancellor called on Tehran to “immediately enter into negotiations with the United States and Israel to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.”
In a joint statement issued alongside the leaders of France and Britain, Merz urged Iran to refrain from any further actions that might destabilise the already fragile region.
“We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear programme,” the statement read.
