German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Condemns US–Israel Actions Against Iran, Calls Conflict “Unnecessary War”

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of Germany, has strongly criticized the joint military actions carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing the situation as a “truly avoidable, unnecessary war.”

Speaking at a major diplomatic event marking the 75th anniversary of Germany’s Foreign Office, Steinmeier argued that the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement played a central role in the current escalation. He specifically pointed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying it would have prevented today’s crisis if it had been maintained. He stated: “If the 2015 agreement with Iran had been preserved, it would have been possible to prevent the consequences we are currently witnessing.”

The German president, who was previously involved in negotiating the JCPOA, further called the war “a politically disastrous mistake” and a “politically fatal error.” He also rejected the justification for military action, stating that the US argument “does not hold water” and violates international legal norms.

Steinmeier emphasized that the agreement had contributed to regional stability, while its breakdown—following the US withdrawal under former President Donald Trump—led to increased tensions and insecurity across West Asia.

His remarks suggest growing disagreement within Western political circles over the long-term consequences of abandoning the nuclear deal. The statement indirectly supports Iran’s position that diplomacy, not military pressure, is the path toward stability.

Iran maintains that it fully complied with its JCPOA obligations, as confirmed by international oversight bodies, while accusing the US and Israel of repeatedly violating the agreement through sanctions, sabotage, and military escalation.

In a related political reaction, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed the United States is being “humiliated” by Iranian leadership, further highlighting divisions within German political discourse on the conflict.