German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Berlin is intensifying diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting in Iran as quickly as possible. The prolonged conflict has added more than 100 billion euros ($112 billion) to Europe’s energy costs over the past eight months. Speaking to reporters in Seoul on Friday, Merz noted that Germany holds a direct economic interest in stabilizing the region. He reiterated that military action will not deliver a permanent solution to the crisis.
Key points
German officials believe the ongoing conflict in Iran cannot be settled through military…: German officials believe the ongoing conflict in Iran cannot be settled through military force alone.
Berlin is actively expanding its diplomatic coordination to bring a swift end to the regi…: Berlin is actively expanding its diplomatic coordination to bring a swift end to the regional fighting.
Securing a rapid end to the warfare is considered a direct economic interest for the Germ…: Securing a rapid end to the warfare is considered a direct economic interest for the German government.
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Merz says Germany working to end Iran war that has cost Europe $112bn
31 October 2026 02:06 GMT
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Germany was working to bring Iran war to an end as soon as possible as the conflict has added more than 100 billion euros ($112bn) to Europe’s energy costs over the past eight months.
Speaking to reporters in Seoul on Friday, he said Germany was coordinating and stepping up diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end, while stressing that the "conflict cannot be resolved militarily".
“Businesses and consumers in Europe have paid more than 100 billion euros extra because energy has become more expensive as a result of this conflict,” he said.
“We therefore also have an economic interest in bringing this conflict to an end as quickly as possible.”
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