The German Green Party’s leadership is escalating calls for the German government to significantly increase pressure on the Iranian regime, arguing current diplomatic efforts are insufficient amidst ongoing unrest. Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Greens, delivered a sharp critique on Monday, emphasizing the urgency of re-establishing communication channels and applying direct pressure on Iranian leadership to halt the escalating violence.
Brantner voiced frustration with the response from Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU, labeling his statements as “warm words” lacking concrete action. She argued for a more proactive stance, proposing a summit specifically focused on Iran, designed to actively support and connect with Iranian civil society. This, she believes, would demonstrate tangible solidarity with those resisting the current government.
Beyond symbolic gestures, Brantner advocated for significantly tougher economic measures. She explicitly called for the freezing of foreign assets held by Iranian elites and renewed insistence on the formal listing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This latter point has faced previous resistance within the German government due to concerns about potential repercussions.
Brantner underscored the potential historical significance of the current situation in Iran, suggesting the present moment could represent a pivotal turning point. She warned that inaction and averted gazes from the international community risk emboldening the regime, reinforcing a pattern of impunity and perpetuating cycles of violence. The Green Party leader’s remarks signal a growing divide within the German political landscape regarding the appropriate response to the ongoing crisis in Iran, pushing for a far more assertive and impactful policy shift.