Germany and France on Wednesday pushed for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that a prolonged conflict could spiral into a global crisis.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said continued disruption to supply chains risked triggering “a crisis of the gravest order”. “We must reach a point where military objectives are met and then move toward de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities,” he said, referring to ongoing operations in the region.
Wadephul warned that extended instability could disrupt critical fertilizer supplies, raising the risk of a food crisis in parts of Africa, while also fuelling fresh refugee flows. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking alongside him in Berlin, echoed the call for “the swiftest possible de-escalation”.
“Military escalation carries major risks—not just for our interests and citizens on the ground, but for partners and the global economy,” Barrot said. On Iran, Wadephul said political change would be “desirable” but must come from within, cautioning that external interventions have failed to deliver stable outcomes, as seen in Iraq and Libya.
Barrot added that Iran would need to make “major concessions” and shift its stance to open the door for a political solution—one that ensures regional stability while allowing its people to shape their own future.
Comments are closed.