German defense minister blasts US-Israel Iran war: 'No strategy, no exit plan'

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Thursday criticized the US and Israeli war in Iran, accusing them of having "no strategy." "What really concerns me the most about that war is there was no consultation, there is no strategy, there is no clear objective and the worst thing from my perspective is that there is no exit strategy," he told a press conference alongside his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra, Australia.

Economic disaster

"This war is a disaster for the world's economies. The consequences are already clear after just over two weeks. We were not consulted beforehand. It is not our war. And that is why we do not want to be dragged into this war—to make that crystal clear," he added. The conflict has disrupted global energy supplies through the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and pushed oil prices above $116 per barrel.

Peace mission readiness

Pistorius stressed that a diplomatic solution is needed "as soon as possible." He warned that instability in the Middle East would have repercussions for the entire world. "And that is why we are prepared to secure any peace. If we reach a ceasefire, we will discuss any mission to secure peace, particularly to ensure free maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz." Germany has previously conditioned its participation in securing the strait on a ceasefire and international legal mandate.

Diplomatic push

Germany on Wednesday said that the time has come for stepped-up diplomacy aimed at ending the ongoing war in Iran. "I think we're at a stage where we'll certainly be discussing more concrete negotiations. We'll have to wait and see what comes of the (Iran-US) talks in Pakistan – talks in which we are not participating, but which are evidently taking place and which are certainly welcome," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told a joint press briefing in Berlin.

Conflict context

Hostilities have escalated since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, killing over 1,350 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. The war has expanded to Lebanon, where Israeli ground operations have displaced over one million people.