German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday urged both Israel and Iran to avoid any “further escalation” after Israel launched a wave of strikes on the Islamic Republic.
Both sides should refrain from steps that could “destabilise the entire region,” said Merz, adding that he had been briefed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the raids and had convened a meeting of Germany’s security cabinet.
Israel hit about 100 targets, including nuclear facilities and military command centres. Israel said later Iran launched around 100 drones, with air defences intercepting them outside Israeli territory.
Israel said the raids struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear programme, and Merz emphasised that Berlin backed “Israel’s right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens”.
