As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned of the risks of a wider regional conflict and made a strong call for moderation and a renewed commitment to diplomacy. The mostly ceremonial head of state called for both countries to return to the negotiating table and underlined the urgent need to stop the Middle East from getting worse while speaking during an official visit to Tokyo.
Following his meeting with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Steinmeier told reporters, “It is imperative that we find a way back to dialogue.” However, stopping the escalation cycle is the only way to take such a step. We must prevent a regional conflict at all costs.
The president’s remarks coincide with the start of an extremely volatile phase in the Israeli-Iranian conflict. Israel has targeted vital infrastructure thought to be connected to Tehran’s nuclear program with a string of well-coordinated and extensive airstrikes since Friday. Official reports state that the Israeli military has attacked oil and gas fields in addition to defense installations and suspected nuclear sites.
Analysts and observers have noted a concerning change in Israel’s approach. Although early actions appeared to be aimed at reducing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, more recent attacks on civilian targets have raised concerns that Israel might be attempting to weaken or even overthrow the Iranian government.
The Israeli campaign has claimed a terrible number of lives. Hundreds of people have been killed, according to Iranian authorities, including nuclear scientists, senior military officials, and a large number of civilians. Iran has responded by launching a series of retaliatory strikes against Israeli cities and military installations. The Israeli government said Wednesday that the Iranian strikes have killed 24 people and injured over 800 others.
The threat of a full-scale regional conflict is now more real than ever, President Steinmeier said, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. Even though he only has a limited amount of executive authority, his comments are thought to represent a larger worry in European political circles regarding the unchecked decline in Middle Eastern security.
“There may still be a narrow path back to diplomacy if we can stop a wider conflict from erupting,” Steinmeier stated. “But that path gets harder to find every day that the violence persists.”
Germany, a major player in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and a member of the European Union, has continuously pushed for diplomatic resolutions of regional conflicts.
Despite the hardened stances on both sides, Steinmeier’s call might indicate renewed European interest in reopening diplomatic channels after months of formal talks between Tehran and Western powers stalled.
Earlier on Wednesday, Steinmeier landed in Japan for a three-day state visit. Topics of conversation are anticipated to include climate policy, economic cooperation, and global security issues. Given how quickly changing geopolitical dynamics are influencing world leaders’ discussions far beyond the region, his warning about Middle East tensions now gives his diplomatic agenda a sense of urgency.
