Merz welcomes possible peace breakthrough between Israel and Iran, calls for ceasefire
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism about reports of a possible ceasefire between Israel and Iran, noting that it could make the Middle East and the entire world a safer place. In his post on the social network X (formerly Twitter), the politician stressed that if, after the rapid military action of the United States, Iranian and Israeli forces converge on the path to peace, this would be a significant positive development in the region. According to Merz, such a step could be an important stage in reducing tensions, and political leaders of Iran and Israel should heed this call. The German Chancellor also thanked Qatar and other countries in the region for showing restraint and wisdom during this critical period. "Together with our American and European partners, we will discuss further steps to stabilize the situation and prevent escalation on the sidelines of today's NATO summit in The Hague," Merz stressed, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic approach. The background to this complex crisis goes back several days and begins with the unexpected statement of US President Donald Trump, who on June 24 announced that an agreement had been reached between Israel and Iran on a complete ceasefire and the end of the 12-day conflict. According to him, the ceasefire had already begun to take effect, and both sides had approached the US with peace proposals. Trump noted that the agreement had become possible after a series of military actions on both sides, including after Iran's missile strikes on a US base in Qatar - according to him, Tehran had announced its intentions to attack in advance, and this attack was prevented. As a result, no one was injured. It is worth noting that this gradual development of events was presented in the context of rapid American military operations against Iran, codenamed "Midnight Hammer," conducted on June 22 with the participation of more than 125 aircraft, including seven B2 strategic bombers. On the morning of June 24, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the missile attack by Iran on the territory of the country, reporting three deaths and injuries as a result of the attack. Another significant event was the fact that the previous day the United States carried out its offensive operation against Iranian targets, aimed at increasing pressure and aggravating the situation in the Middle East. In response, Iran did not remain an observer and, according to data from the region, launched missiles at Israeli targets, causing a new wave of tension and losses. According to official data, three people were killed and there are injuries as a result of this attack, and the situation remains extremely tense and unstable. Currently, the international community, including American and European diplomats, continues to look for ways to bring the parties closer together and prevent a new escalation of the conflict, using diplomacy and political pressure. The role of regional and global players such as Qatar and other Gulf states, which demonstrate restraint and a desire for peace in these sorrowful days, remains important. So, despite the sudden events of recent days, there is hope that the efforts of the international community and understanding on the part of the Iranian and Israeli leaderships will avoid a new wave of bloodshed and lead to the long-awaited peace in the Middle East. Let us keep our fingers crossed that diplomacy will continue to dominate this conflict, and the world will finally have reason to hope for a more stable future.