ALBAWABA- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly denounced the US-Israeli war against Iran as “a catastrophic political mistake” and “a flagrant violation of international law,” warning that the conflict risks spiralling into wider regional and European instability.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Steinmeier said the war, now in its fourth week, has no clear path to resolution and is fuelling “unnecessary bloodshed that serves no one’s long-term security.” He called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic engagement.
His remarks highlight divisions within Germany’s leadership. Chancellor Friedrich Merz initially expressed political support for Washington and Tel Aviv’s stated goal of neutralising Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, but later clarified that Germany would not take part militarily. He also voiced concern over the lack of any coordinated strategy to bring the conflict to a swift end.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had earlier warned that the war could trigger a major energy crisis across Europe, pushing up power prices and disrupting economic recovery through prolonged instability in oil and gas supplies.
The conflict began on February 28 with the assassination of Ali Khamenei, followed by sustained strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. More than 3,000 Iranians, mostly civilians, have been killed, while Iranian missile attacks have recently hit Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Fresh explosions were also reported in Tehran and other urban centres on Tuesday.
Amid the escalating violence, US President Donald Trump has suggested progress toward potential talks, though Iran has rejected direct negotiations. Instead, Tehran has backed indirect mediation efforts led by Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, with possible preliminary discussions expected in Islamabad.
Steinmeier’s intervention reflects a growing European concern that the war is deepening instability rather than containing it, increasing both humanitarian suffering and global economic risks.
