A leading German politician has expressed concerns over the potential escalation of the Middle East crisis following the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program. Ralf Stegner, a member of the Social Democratic Party’s foreign policy committee, warned of the high risk of escalation in the region, particularly in the event of a response from major powers Russia and China.
Stegner, speaking to the German news channel Welt, emphasized the need for diplomacy in the face of the escalating tensions. He noted that the Iranian foreign minister is set to visit Moscow, which could lead to a heightened risk of conflict. “One cannot simply assume that Russia and China will just watch as the situation in the region unfolds” he said.
The politician also criticized the decision of US President Donald Trump to intervene in the Middle East conflict, describing it as a “reckless” move that lacks a clear strategy. “Sending bombers into the region without considering the consequences is not a viable approach” he stated.
Stegner believes that the trend of resolving political conflicts through military means is a worrying one and that the Iran crisis is part of a broader pattern of conflict and crisis in the region. He cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the unresolved Palestinian issue and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as examples of the widespread instability in the region.