Mertz: The US and Israel Cannot Achieve "Regime Change" in Iran
Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, March 27 (Reporter Zhang Yirong, Li Chao) - German Chancellor Merz stated on the 27th that if "regime change is the goal of the United States and Israel in launching military actions against Iran, he does not believe that this goal can be achieved."
While attending an event organized by the German newspaper "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Merz expressed hope for an early end to the conflict, but noted that the U.S. and Israel are "getting deeper and deeper" into it. He questioned whether the U.S. and Israel have a strategy to end the conflict; if they do, whether it can be successfully implemented.
Merz stated that the economic consequences of the conflict in the Middle East are "very direct," and Germany is one of the parties bearing the burden. Therefore, the German government will strive to ease the situation, ensure its own security, and act together with European partners within the frameworks of the EU and NATO.
Merz also mentioned that if a ceasefire agreement is reached, Germany could consider organizing military escorts related to the Strait of Hormuz in cooperation with other parties, but this would require international authorization as well as approval from the German Bundestag and a resolution from the government cabinet. However, "as long as the conflict continues, this is not an option for us."
Chancellor Merz expressed skepticism about the possibility of U.S. and Israeli regime change in Iran during an event in Germany on March 27, 2023. He highlighted the increasing entanglement of both nations in the conflict and the economic repercussions for Germany. Merz stated that Germany would work to de-escalate the situation and ensure its security, considering military escort options in the Strait of Hormuz only if a ceasefire is achieved and authorized internationally.
- Chancellor Merz doubts the success of U.S. and Israeli regime change efforts in Iran.
- He notes the deepening involvement of the U.S. and Israel in the conflict.
- Merz emphasizes the direct economic consequences of the Middle East conflict for Germany.
- Germany aims to mitigate the situation and ensure its own security within EU and NATO frameworks.
- A potential military escort in the Strait of Hormuz would require international authorization and parliamentary approval.