German President Condemns US Iran War as Illegal

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered a sharp condemnation of the United States' war in Iran on Tuesday, describing it as a violation of international law and a politically disastrous mistake that has fractured ties with Germany's longtime ally. Speaking at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the German foreign ministry in Berlin, Steinmeier, whose largely ceremonial role permits more candid statements than those of elected officials, argued that the conflict undermines global rules and requires Germany to reassess its dependencies on Washington.

Steinmeier, a former foreign minister from the center-left Social Democratic Party, directly challenged the legal basis for the war, which involves U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran. "Our foreign policy does not become more convincing just because we do not call a breach of international law a breach of international law," he said. He expressed doubt about claims of an imminent Iranian attack on U.S. targets, stating that such justifications "do not hold water." The president labeled the military campaign unnecessary and avoidable, emphasizing that failing to acknowledge these issues weakens Germany's credibility...