The war in the Middle East is taking center stage at the G7 summit in Canada. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clear messages for Iran. Germany pledges support to Israel.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described Iran's nuclear weapons program as an existential threat to Israel."Iran must not develop or possess nuclear weapons," said the CDU politician before departing for the G7 summit in Canada. Iran's progress toward nuclear weapons led to Israel attacking military targets in Iran on Friday."This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit."

Israel claims that its air strikes against Iran are intended to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb. The air force bombed nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. Iran responded with attacks on Israel, killing at least 13 people. According to media reports, 370 people were injured. In Iran, according to official figures, dozens of people – including high-ranking military officers and nuclear scientists – were killed and hundreds more injured.

Merz said Israel had asked Germany to provide fire extinguishing equipment."We will initiate this immediately."

The Chancellor said all diplomatic efforts had failed to persuade Iran to abandon its military nuclear program."Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens."

Merz reiterated his statement that the conflict must not escalate."Tehran must immediately stop the bombing of civilian targets in Israel. Other states in the region must not become theaters of war." Furthermore, space for diplomacy must be reopened. Merz continued:"We are also preparing ourselves in Germany in case Iran should target Israeli or Jewish targets in Germany."

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