Germany Divided: Klingbeil Challenges Merz Over Iran War
Germany’s Vice Chancellor لارس كلينجبايل has sharply criticized the actions of the United States and Israel in Iran, declaring that Germany will not participate in the conflict and warning that the war may not be legitimate under international law.
In an interview with the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (Editorial Network Germany, RND), لارس كلينجبايل said clearly that Germany would stay out of the military campaign. “This is not our war. We will not participate in this war,” the vice chancellor emphasized, raising concerns about a world increasingly driven by power rather than rules.
His remarks put him at odds with Germany’s chancellor فريدريش ميرتس, who previously stated that the German government shares the goals of the United States and Israel regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as Tehran’s threats against Israel and its support for militant groups.
Despite his criticism of the attacks, لارس كلينجبايل also strongly condemned Iran’s leadership, describing the ruling clerical system as a “terror regime.” He said he would not mourn members of the leadership killed in the strikes but questioned whether removing key figures would truly end the system.
The vice chancellor expressed doubts that eliminating top officials would bring lasting political change. According to him, successors are already ready to take over leadership roles, meaning the structure of power inside Iran could remain largely unchanged.
لارس كلينجبايل also warned that the Iranian population may not benefit from the conflict and stressed that diplomatic negotiations should have been prioritized earlier to prevent escalation.
Germany’s Defense Minister بوريس بيستوريوس also confirmed that the country will not participate militarily in the conflict. However, German forces stationed in other missions within the region may be repositioned due to the heightened security situation.
The war is already affecting Germany’s economy, particularly energy prices. لارس كلينجبايل announced plans to prevent excessive increases in fuel prices and has asked Economics Minister كاتارينا رايشه to examine whether competition law—Kartellrecht (antitrust law)—can be used against oil companies if price manipulation occurs.
While acknowledging risks of rising inflation, لارس كلينجبايل urged caution and called for calm political judgment, saying the situation should be monitored carefully without fueling unnecessary speculation.