BREAKING NEWS: German chancellor Merz urges Israel, Iran to avert war escalation

The leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz holds some papers as he addresses a press conference at the party's headquarters the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus in Berlin, on February 24, 2025, one day after the German federal elections. Germany's election winner Friedrich Merz has vowed to rule Europe's largest economy by returning to his Christian Democrat party's conservative roots, ease restraints on business and crack down on irregular immigration. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday urged both Israel and Iran to avoid any “further escalation” after Israel launched a wave of strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Both sides should refrain from steps that could “destabilise the entire region,” said Merz, adding that he had been briefed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the raids and had convened a meeting of Germany’s security cabinet.

Israel hit about 100 targets, including nuclear facilities and military command centres. Israel said later Iran launched around 100 drones, with air defences intercepting them outside Israeli territory.

Israel said the raids struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear programme, and Merz emphasised that Berlin backed “Israel’s right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens”.

Germany had for years been expressing concerns about Iran’s “advanced nuclear weapons programme”, he said.

“Germany stands ready to use all diplomatic means at our disposal to influence the parties to the conflict. The goal must remain that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons,” Merz said.

Iran has repeatedly denied accusations from Western countries that it is seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.

On Thursday, the UN nuclear watchdog adopted a resolution, drafted by countries including Germany and the United States, condemning Iran’s “non-compliance” with its obligations.

The United States and Iran have held a series of nuclear talks since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, and a sixth round is planned on Sunday in Oman.

Merz also said that authorities would step up security at Jewish and Israeli sites in Germany following the Israeli strikes. There has been an increase in anti-Semitic attacks in Germany since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.