Statement by German Foreign Minister Baerbock on the situation in the Middle EastMiddle East Previously near east, the Middle East (20th Century Coined) consists of territories of Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Malta, Cyprus, Syrian Arab Republic, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Israel, West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Read more
Press release: 14.04.2024
On 14 April, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock issued the following statement on the situation in the Middle East
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
The IranianIran It formerly known as Persia, transitioned to an Islamic republic in 1979 (theocratic system of government). This followed the overthrow of the ruling monarchy and the exile of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iran fought a bloody war with Iraq from 1980 to 1988. Political reform efforts faced resistance, and conservative control tightened in 2005 with the election of Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD. Iran faces international sanctions related to terrorism, nuclear activities, and human rights abuses. President Ebrahim RAISI, elected in 2021, pursues closer ties with China and Russia amid ongoing protests and diplomatic challenges. regime has knowingly drawn the entire Middle East to the brink of an abyss. Last night, it fired more than 300 missiles, drones and cruise missiles at IsraelIsrael Modern State of Israel was established in 1948 after the UN proposed the partition of the British Mandate for Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. Wars with Arab neighbors followed, leading to Israel's control of various territories. In recent years, Israel has pursued peace agreements with Arab nations and faced conflict with groups like HAMAS. Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had a notable influence on Israeli politics, including a return to office in 2022. Read more.
We condemn IranIran It formerly known as Persia, transitioned to an Islamic republic in 1979 (theocratic system of government). This followed the overthrow of the ruling monarchy and the exile of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iran fought a bloody war with Iraq from 1980 to 1988. Political reform efforts faced resistance, and conservative control tightened in 2005 with the election of Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD. Iran faces international sanctions related to terrorism, nuclear activities, and human rights abuses. President Ebrahim RAISI, elected in 2021, pursues closer ties with China and Russia amid ongoing protests and diplomatic challenges.’s direct attack on Israel’s territory in the strongest terms. Israel has Germany’s full solidarity. I have just clearly reiterated this to my counterpart.
The regime in Iran had announced its intention to exact revenge for an airstrike in Damascus. Last night, Tehran almost plunged an entire region into chaos. Thanks to Israel’s effective air defence system and strong partners, the attack, apart from a few shells, was averted.
The worldwide condemnation and the crucial support of the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries in the region clearly show two things: Iran is alone with its aggressive conduct and its intention to destabilise an entire region. And Israel’s capacities have shown that it is strong. Israel can protect itself.
We call upon Iran to refrain from further attacks, including those via proxies. A regional conflagration would have incalculable consequences. None of the millions of men, women and children in Israel, Iran and the whole region who were too frightened to sleep last night want the situation to escalate.
I appeal to all stakeholders in the region to act level-headedly. The spiral of escalation must be broken. We need to work together to bring about an end to the violence.
I just chaired the meeting of the Federal Government’s crisis unit. We are observing the situation in the region very precisely and remain in close consultation with our various partners.
We are, of course, also discussing the question of what consequences could follow as a result of the Iranian attack.
With regard to our own citizens, I want to emphasise that in view of the tense situation in the region, I appeal to all Germans to take our travel warnings for this region very seriously. Thank you very much.
Annalena Baerbock
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs