German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday described the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran as a "violation of international law" and a "politically fatal error."
Speaking at an event marking the 75th anniversary of the re-establishment of the German Foreign Ministry, Steinmeier said the war was "avoidable and unnecessary" if the intended goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Steinmeier said international law remains "a regulatory framework, a rule book, and a source of legitimacy" for both Germany and Europe. "This Europe would be lost in a world without law and rules, as the European Union itself is built on them," he noted.
Steinmeier pointed to a deep rift that has emerged in the transatlantic relationship since the beginning of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, calling on Germany and its European partners to reduce "dependencies that make us vulnerable," specifically in the fields of security and technology.
"Achieving European sovereignty in defense and technology is a project that will take generations to complete," Steinmeier said, stressing that the magnitude of this task must no longer serve as an excuse for delay.
German president says US-Israeli strikes on Iran violate int'l law
The United States has sent Iran a 15-point peace plan in an effort to end the war, which is now in its fourth week, while the Iranian side insists the conflict will continue until their demands for reparations and sanctions relief are met.
According to media reports on Tuesday, the United States has sent the peace plan to Iran via Pakistan. The plan addresses Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and discusses maritime routes, referring to the Strait of Hormuz.
The plan reportedly demands that Iran dismantle its nuclear capabilities, cease all uranium enrichment, and provide a permanent commitment to never seeking nuclear weapons, according to the reports.
It is also reported that Iran would be required to halt funding and arming allied groups in the region and guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping.
In exchange, the United States is offering full sanctions relief, assistance in developing a civilian nuclear energy project in southern Iran's Bushehr, and the removal of the "snapback" mechanism threat that enables the reimposition of previously lifted UN sanctions on Iran.
Reports also indicate that the United States is considering a one-month ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations on the plan.
However, Mohsen Rezaei, the new military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, said Monday that Iran will continue its war with the United States until its demands are met, including full reparations, economic sanctions relief and guarantees of non-interference in its internal affairs.
US sends 15-point peace plan to Iran, Iran vows to fight on until demands met
