German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the Bundestag that Germany will not join the US- and Israel-led military campaign involving Iran, saying Washington launched the operation without consulting allies and has not offered a convincing plan for success. Speaking ahead of an EU summit, he said Berlin shares some American objectives but will be frank where it disagrees or has different interests. Merz added that Germany would have advised against the current approach.
He made clear Germany will not participate militarily while the conflict continues, including in any effort to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, he stressed that the dispute should not break transatlantic relations. Berlin remains willing to contribute to a postwar peace order and, under appropriate conditions, to discuss protecting navigation in Hormuz once the fighting has ended. Germany will act where it has national competence and room to maneuver, he said.
Merz used the address to push for greater European strategic autonomy and sweeping economic reforms to restore Europe’s leverage and competitiveness. He urged EU partners to deepen the single market, build a capital markets union, create an integrated energy market, cut unnecessary regulation, and stimulate private investment to achieve affordable long-term energy prices. He acknowledged Europe still depends on Washington for trade and security matters, notably support for Ukraine, and said he expects a customs agreement between the EU and the US to take effect soon.
Separately, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described regime change in Iran as desirable because of the regime’s brutality, while stressing any change must come from within Iran and welcoming signs of internal efforts. Merz is set to outline EU summit priorities in parliament, framing competitiveness, energy, trade, and the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine as central items for the leaders’ meeting.