German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin will not join the ongoing US‑ and Israel‑led military campaign involving Iran, arguing Washington launched the operation without consulting allies and has offered no convincing strategy for success.
Speaking in the Bundestag ahead of an EU summit, Merz said Germany shares some US objectives but will openly state where it disagrees or has different interests. “To this day, there is no convincing plan as to how this operation could succeed,” he said, adding: “Washington has not consulted us and has not deemed European assistance necessary.” He said Germany would have advised against the current approach.
Merz made clear Germany will not participate militarily while the conflict continues, including in any effort to secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, he emphasized that the war should not rupture transatlantic relations. Berlin remains willing to contribute to a postwar peace order and, under the right conditions, is open to discussing protection of navigation in Hormuz once fighting has ended. “If the conditions are right, we will not close ourselves off to a discussion about free navigation once the war has ended,” he said, noting Germany would act where it has national competence and room for maneuver.
The chancellor also used his address to press for broader European strategic autonomy and economic reform. He urged EU partners to back measures to restore Europe’s leverage and competitiveness, including deepening the single market, building a capital markets union, creating an integrated energy market, cutting unnecessary regulation, and encouraging private investment and affordable long‑term energy prices. Merz said Europe depends on Washington for trade and security matters — notably support for Ukraine — and expects a customs agreement between the EU and US to enter into force soon.
Separately, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described regime change in Iran as “desirable” given the regime’s brutality, but stressed that any change must come from within Iran and welcomed signs of internal attempts toward that end.
Merz is due to outline EU summit priorities in parliament and has framed competitiveness, energy, trade, and the Middle East and Ukraine crises as central items for the upcoming leaders’ meeting.