The foreign‑policy spokesperson of the Union faction, Jürgen Hardt (CDU), viewed a possible end to the Mullah regime positively after the attack on Iran.
Hardt told the news portal T‑Online that Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes also directly threaten German security, and that whatever these programmes may bring back is ultimately good for Germany. He added that a new Iran must be one that does not threaten its neighbours and guarantees participation for all peoples within its borders.
In his words, “the era of the Mullahs is over”. He said Iran’s regime has missed every chance for self‑preservation, noting that the United States had offered a final hand for negotiations once, a gesture the regime sabotaged with delays and excuses. Hardt urged Germany and Europe to act as stabilising forces wherever possible, stressing that the people of Iran resent a government that has responded to protests only with violence.
The international shipping industry fears being adversely affected by the current military conflict in the Middle East. Martin Kröger, chief executive of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), told the “Spiegel” that the escalation strikes the heart of global maritime trade routes – an impact felt immediately by German shipping companies and their crews.
The military confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran takes place close to major international shipping lanes and transshipment points. Along the Iranian coast lies the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for fossil fuels. According to the VDR, the recent escalation raises the risk of potential attacks or security incidents at sea. Further west, between Israel, the Arabian Peninsula and Northeast Africa, lies another key route between Europe and Asia: the maritime passage through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Around 300 German‑based shipping companies worry that a further spread of the conflict’s dynamics will pose significant risks to maritime trade throughout the region. “Our ships represent open markets and stable supply chains; they must not be drawn into military escalations” Kröger demanded.