Steinmeier said the war violates international law

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sharply criticized the military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling it a political mistake that violates international law. Speaking in Berlin on March 24 at an event marking the 75th anniversary of Germany’s Foreign Office, he said the conflict could have been avoided and warned that its consequences have damaged trust in American power far beyond Washington’s allies. Reports Dw.com.

Steinmeier said relations with the current US administration have fundamentally changed and that there is no return to the period before Donald Trump’s second term began on January 20, 2025. He argued that Berlin should deal with Washington in a pragmatic way and focus on its own core interests, but without abandoning its values or ignoring breaches of international law.

The German president said Berlin would not become more credible by refusing to clearly name violations of international law. He also stressed that the European Union is built on rules and legal norms, warning that Europe would undermine itself if it accepted a worldview based only on force.

At the same event, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said transatlantic relations are undergoing major changes. He added that Europe’s security, which he described as facing one of its most serious threats in 75 years, must now be treated as a top priority, while also remembering the historic role of the United States in postwar Germany.