365bet�����������籭

BERLIN 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday voiced strong support for Israel and the US over their airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in Berlin, Merz said his government was working to address foreign policy challenges, particularly the recent outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

“I want to say that again very clearly and unequivocally. There is no reason for us, and no reason for me personally, to criticize what Israel started a week ago, nor any reason to criticize what the US did last weekend,” Merz said. “Yes, it is not without risk, but leaving it as it was, could not be an option either,” he added.

Merz denounced the Iranian government as "a terror regime" and argued that its controversial nuclear program cast serious doubts about Tehran's intentions, strengthening suspicions of nuclear weapons development.

“No one in this world needs 60% or higher enriched uranium for a nuclear power plant. No one. They could easily make do with far lower enrichment percentages. No one needs bunkered facilities up to 100 meters underground to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes,” he said.

Asked about potential developments in the region following US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites and continued Israeli attacks on military bases and facilities, Chancellor Merz emphasized that the situation was dynamic and subject to change.

"We don't really know at this moment how strong Iran's political leadership, armed forces, and so-called Revolutionary Guards truly are," he said, noting that the response from Iran and its regional allied groups has been relatively limited so far. "Things don't have to stay this way," he warned.

Merz also expressed concern that if Iran launches major attacks or takes steps to close the Strait of Hormuz — a key passage for oil — this could lead to significant consequences, including for Europeans.

"If it were closed, or if it became too dangerous for passage, then we could face indirect consequences from this conflict that we haven't yet foreseen. So, it's an open question," Merz said.

"I am reasonably confident that there will be no major developments, but it is probably too early to make a final judgment," he added.

The conservative leader's comments came a week after he said Israel was doing necessary “dirty work” on behalf of Western nations through its military operations against Iran's nuclear program—which he characterized as a threat to Israelis, regional countries, and European nations alike.

Several opposition politicians sharply criticized the conservative leader, arguing that Israel's claim of "preventive self-defense" lacks validity and that its attacks violate international law—actions that German governments have consistently condemned in similar conflicts.