German Foreign Ministry says: the danger of further escalation in Middle East is real

German Foreign Ministry says: the danger of further escalation in Middle East is real

BERLIN (Reuters) - The German Foreign Ministry has issued a stark warning, stating that the danger of further escalation in the Middle East is real. This comes in the wake of Israel's recent barrage of strikes against Iran, which have significantly heightened regional tensions.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was forced to alter his Middle East trip, dropping a planned stop in Israel. Speaking in Cairo after talks with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, Wadephul announced that he would travel from Egypt to Saudi Arabia for further talks on Saturday. He initially had planned to visit Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria as well, but the foreign ministry left open the possibility of visiting those locations [1][2].

Wadephul emphasized that no one benefits from further escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. He called for all parties to return to the negotiating table. The German foreign ministry also issued a warning to its citizens against travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, advising those currently in Gaza and the West Bank to leave if possible [1][2].

The situation in the Middle East has also had a significant impact on global financial markets. The DAX, Germany's benchmark index, continues to face challenges due to ongoing uncertainty about US President Donald Trump's trade policy and the escalating conflict. Analysts have noted that the situation in the Middle East "may have caught many investors off guard," and that the market is now looking for excuses to sell shares [3].

US President Trump has called on Israel not to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, warning that such an action could spark a "massive conflict" and lead to a US decision to draw down embassy staff in the region. Trump expressed a preference for a negotiated settlement with Iran but acknowledged that Israel was considering a strike. The US anticipates Iran could retaliate on certain American sites in neighboring Iraq, leading to heightened tensions and warnings to US citizens in the region [4].

The German Foreign Ministry's warning underscores the real and immediate danger of further escalation in the Middle East. As the situation continues to evolve, investors and financial professionals are advised to monitor the developments closely and consider the potential implications for global markets.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/index/S-P-GCC-COMPOSITE-PRICE-U-58732055/news/German-foreign-minister-alters-Middle-East-trip-after-Israel-strikes-Iran-50237821/
[2] https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-06-13/german-foreign-minister-alters-middle-east-trip-after-israel-strikes-iran
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/index/DAX-7395/news/Dax-faces-new-challenges-with-escalation-in-the-Middle-East-50236256/
[4] https://www.geo.tv/liveblog/Live-updates-Israel-Hamas-war