German chancellor urges swift end to war against Iran

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, in Berlin, Germany, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

BERLIN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday called for efforts to achieve a swift end to the war against Iran through diplomatic means, warning that the ongoing conflict damages all parties, including the United States.

In an address to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, Merz noted that Germany still has many unanswered questions regarding the war and that there is no convincing concept of how this military operation could succeed.

He pointed out that Washington did not consult Berlin prior to the strikes. Had Germany been consulted, it would have advised against the operation, he added.

As long as the war continues, Germany will not participate in using military means to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Merz reiterated.

Merz emphasized that Europe has an interest in seeing a swift end to the war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, in Berlin, Germany, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, in Berlin, Germany, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, in Berlin, Germany, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivers a speech to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, in Berlin, Germany, March 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)