German Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful has called on the United States to provide clearer information regarding the conclusion of their joint military operation with Israel on Iranian territory. He made this statement ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting after returning from a trip to the Middle East.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Concerns over escalating conflict and threats to the region
According to Wadeful, countries in the region are in a state of shock after Iran carried out attacks on states that were not involved in the military actions initiated by the US and Israel. The minister emphasized that the main desire of all his interlocutors remains to exit the spiral of conflict escalation. He stressed that the US and Israel defining clear criteria for achieving military objectives is key to the next steps in the region.
“The most urgent desire of all my interlocutors has been, is, and will remain that we exit the spiral of escalation… First and foremost, it will be important for the US and Israel to explain when they will consider the military objectives of their operation achieved… Once we have an understanding of this, then, in our opinion, we will need to move to the next phase – creating a security architecture for the entire region together with the coastal states. And this will undoubtedly also require dialogue with Iran,” noted the German chief diplomat, adding that he discusses this with the American side as well.
Wadeful also acknowledged the significant danger posed by the Iranian regime. This threat concerns not only neighboring states but also shipping and the global economy as a whole. According to him, Germany shares with the US the necessity of eliminating this threat.
Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and Germany’s position
The minister emphasized that he advocates for sanctions against those responsible for blocking the Strait of Hormuz. He believes this is necessary to demonstrate support for partners in the Persian Gulf, as well as due to the negative impact of the blockade on global oil and fertilizer supplies. Such actions could lead to rising food prices worldwide.
It is noted that the first wave of strikes carried out by the US and Israel on February 28 resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking officials of the Iranian government. In response, Iranian military forces launched missile and drone strikes not only against Israel and US facilities but also against neighboring countries that Tehran considers allies of Washington. These attacks targeted both military and civilian objects, including diplomatic missions and infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump stated on March 11 that the United States has already “won” the war against Iran, but emphasized that American troops will continue combat operations until the operation is fully concluded. Meanwhile, Iran has struck at least six vessels in the region and promised to continue its attacks. Comments within the Trump administration regarding the duration of the war vary: from predictions of four to six weeks to assurances that combat operations could conclude soon.