Strong Support for Attack on Iran
Calls for U.S. Military Intervention
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Israel's airstrike on Iran as "the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us." On June 17 (local time), Yonhap News reported that Chancellor Merz, who is currently attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, said in interviews with German media including ZDF, ARD, and Welt TV, "I can only express the utmost respect for the Israeli military and government for making the decision to carry out the airstrike."
In the same interview, Chancellor Merz stated, "If Israel had not made that decision, we would have had to witness the terror of the Iranian regime for several more months or even years," adding, "They might have even acquired nuclear weapons." He continued, "If the Iranian regime is ready to return to the negotiating table, further military intervention will not be necessary," but warned, "Otherwise, the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear weapons program could be put on the agenda."
Furthermore, Chancellor Merz effectively called for U.S. military intervention, stating that the Israeli military cannot complete its mission due to a lack of weapons and that the necessary weapons are in the possession of the United States. He discussed the possibility of U.S. military involvement but noted that the U.S. government has not yet made a decision. He added, "A decision will be made in the near future," and emphasized that "it depends on how ready the Iranian regime is to return to the negotiating table." Chancellor Merz also said that the Iranian regime has been significantly weakened and will not be able to return to the situation before Israel's airstrike. He further stated, "If they do not accept dialogue, Israel will go all the way," and added, "It would be good if this regime came to an end."
Meanwhile, as the military conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, French President Emmanuel Macron, in contrast to German Chancellor Merz, opposed any attempt to change the Iranian regime through military action and called for a diplomatic solution. Speaking with reporters at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, President Macron said, "We do not want Iran to possess nuclear weapons, but regime change through military attack could be the greatest mistake," adding, "Such an approach would bring even greater chaos to the Middle East."
He continued, "What we must do now is resume negotiations as quickly as possible to set a clear direction regarding Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," and emphasized that "Iran's nuclear program must once again be placed under international supervision, and its ballistic missile arsenal must be reduced." However, he clearly expressed opposition to any military attempts that could lead to the destruction of energy infrastructure, civilian casualties, or regime collapse.
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