Industrial and foreign trade associations in Germany -- the largest exporter of goods to the United States among European Union countries -- on Saturday warned of further escalation of the trade conflict and urged quick solutions through practical negotiations, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that 30 percent tariffs will be imposed on the EU as of Aug. 1.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) said that extra costs for German carmakers and suppliers are already in the billions, and the number is growing, while a further escalation of the trade conflict with the U.S. is looming.
The Federation of German Industries (BDI) said in a statement that Trump's latest tariff announcement is "a wake-up call for industry on both sides of the Atlantic," urging the German government, the European Commission and the U.S. administration to quickly find solutions and avoid an escalation.
Europe should not be intimidated by tariff threat of the United States, and should soberly seek solutions through negotiations on an equal basis, said Germany's Association of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services.
German industrial, trade associations urge solutions to Trump's tariffs
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
