Germany rules out joining US-Israeli strikes, rejects regime change role

Germany firmly ruled out Thursday any participation in US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declaring that Berlin will not join the ongoing campaign nor support measures aimed at regime change. Speaking to reporters in Berlin, the conservative politician drew a clear line between German hopes for Iran's future and active involvement in the conflict.

No German participation in war

"Germany is not participating in this war. And that will remain the case," Wadephul told reporters, distancing Berlin from the US-Israeli offensive that has killed more than 900 people in Iran since Saturday, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior commanders. He further emphasized: "We are also not participating in any concrete measures for regime change in any country, including Iran."

Democratic change must come from within

Wadephul acknowledged that Germany maintains contact with Iranian opposition groups and stands with the Iranian people against what he called the regime's oppressive measures. However, he stressed that Berlin cannot dictate Iran's political future. "We are dependent on the Iranian people themselves ultimately being in a position to take their fate into their own hands and perhaps overcome this regime," he said. "But for obvious reasons, there can be no government measures from Germany to this end."

European divergence

Germany's position marks a significant divergence from US and Israeli policy as the conflict expands across the Middle East. While Washington and Tel Aviv continue their large-scale military campaign, now in its sixth day, Berlin has chosen diplomatic distance. The statement comes as Iran retaliates with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US assets, with the conflict drawing in Hezbollah on Lebanon's border and threatening global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz closure.