Reference News Network, March 19 report: According to the German magazine "Die Zeit" website, March 18 report, German Chancellor Merkel criticized the U.S. and Israel's approach of launching a war against Iran. In a government statement delivered at the German Bundestag, she said: "So far, there has been no convincing plan that explains how this operation could succeed. Washington did not seek our opinion, nor did it consider European assistance as necessary."
Merkel also said: "If the U.S. had asked us beforehand, we would have prevented it." She again ruled out the possibility of Germany's military involvement, including in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Germany may assist in establishing a "peace order" in the region after the war. Merkel said Germany is also willing to participate in discussions on free navigation in areas such as the Strait of Hormuz after the war. She maintains contact almost daily with French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Meloni regarding the situation in Iran. On the diplomatic level, Germany has been working to bring the conflict to an early end.
Merkel stated that Europe hopes the war will end as soon as possible; further escalation of the situation would cause "serious damage" to Europe. At the same time, she emphasized that Europe shares common goals with Israel and the United States, namely ensuring that Iran does not pose a threat in the future.
Merkel also discussed the impact of the war on living costs and economic development, and announced that she would take intervention measures in "areas where we can exercise national authority and have room for maneuver."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/7618886485529379378/
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