German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stark critique of the military conflict against Iran led by the United States and Israel, describing it as a "completely unnecessary war" that threatens the very foundations of the global economy. His remarks, made after a recent informal European Union summit, underscore the far-reaching consequences of the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Merz warned that the impact extends well beyond immediate spikes in energy prices. He pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints for oil and gas shipments, as a flashpoint whose security is now paramount. The recent developments, he noted, have laid bare the acute fragility of our interconnected global economic system.
The geopolitical shockwaves are already reverberating through energy markets across Europe, Asia, and the United States, Merz stated. For Asian nations heavily reliant on energy imports through the Strait, the conflict poses a direct risk to economic stability and growth prospects.
The Chancellor emphasized that the European Union now faces monumental challenges stemming from this crisis, among others. He stressed that Germany, as an EU member state, cannot address these issues in isolation. "If Europe fails, then Germany will also fail," Merz asserted, calling for unwavering solidarity and coordinated action among European nations to manage the fallout.
His comments highlight a growing concern among global leaders about the broader economic ramifications of regional conflicts, particularly for trade-dependent regions like Asia. The call for a united European response also signals the complex diplomatic landscape facing the international community this year.
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'Completely unnecessary': Merz criticizes US-Israeli war with Iran
cgtn.com
