The US and Israel have attacked Iran, killing supreme leader Ali Chamenei. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply condemns Iran's counterattacks but remains reserved on the strikes against Iran. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded ships and driven up oil prices.
Over the weekend, the US and Israel attacked Iran, resulting in the death of supreme leader Ali Chamenei and other top politicians. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) discussed Operation 'Roar of the Lion' in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a joint E3 statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the three countries condemned Iran's attacks on regional states and called for negotiations with the Iranian leadership. Merz stated: 'Germany is not involved in this.'
Merz described the Iranian counterattacks as 'indiscriminate strikes' and compared the situation to failed interventions in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq. He said: 'This crosses the threshold into an uncertain future.' Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) emphasized that international law must be respected by all sides. Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide criticized the attacks as not in line with international law.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil and gas production is transported, has stranded dozens of ships, including oil tankers. Experts expect oil prices to exceed 80 dollars per barrel, possibly reaching 100 dollars. In Germany, Super gasoline (E5) already cost over 1.90 euros per liter over the weekend. Six cruise ships with thousands of passengers, including Germans from Lübeck, are stuck in the Persian Gulf after flights to Dubai and Qatar were suspended.
In Berlin, exiled Iranians celebrate Chamenei's death, while a memorial service for him is held in a Neukölln mosque. The AfD leadership expressed concern over destabilization in the Middle East.
