German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday called on Iran to “immediately stop” its “indiscriminate attacks” and said the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would mark the end of clerical rule over the country.
Merz said Germany shared Iranians’ “relief” at seeing “the end of the mullah regime,” but warned that the US killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and Israel’s attack on Tehran had set Iran on a path to an “uncertain future.”
France on Sunday condemned Iran’s “massive and unjustified” attacks on the Gulf state and Jordan, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault saying the two countries were “engulfed in a war they did not choose.”
“I express to each of them France’s unequivocal condemnation, full solidarity and full support,” he added in a post on X.
– Iran’s “Next Day” –
Mertz also called on the U.S. and European partners to plan for the future of Iran and the region, saying the Iranian people deserve a better future after the supreme leader was killed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike.
Mertz said his government agrees with the U.S. goal of disarming Tehran and ending the “destructive games” Iran is playing, but warned of the dangers ahead.
“This is not without risks. We do not know how far the region will be drawn into escalation by a severe Iranian counterattack,” Mertz told reporters.
Mertz noted some reservations about the actions of the United States and Israel, saying that while there are doubts, now is not the time to lecture partners and allies.
“We look forward to working with our U.S., Israeli, regional and European partners to develop the next day’s agenda,” Mertz said.
His four objectives were to ensure peace and stability in the region, force Iran to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, contribute to a stable future for Iran, and help Iranians decide their own destiny.
Merz also said that Germany would not tolerate attacks on American or Israeli institutions in the country.
