Fatma Zehra Solmaz
26 April 2026•Update: 26 April 2026
ISTANBUL
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the US-Israeli war with Iran on Saturday as “completely unnecessary,” warning that its "geopolitical shockwaves" were already being felt across global energy markets.
Speaking after an informal EU summit in Greek-administered Cyprus, Merz said the war was contributing to rising instability affecting Europe, Asia and the US.
He stressed that only a united Europe could respond effectively to the emerging challenges.
“We have spent two days meeting with the 27 heads of state and government of the European Union to discuss how to tackle major challenges that lie ahead, including the lran conflict, and this completely unnecessary war there, as well as many other challenges we face. "
He added that Europe must adjust to shifting global conditions. "We must accept this new economic reality, however difficult it may be."
