Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of serious consequences if the conflict in Iran continues, emphasizing the risk of a “Syrian scenario” of uncontrolled migration and regional destabilization.

Axar.az reports, citing Welt, he highlighted that prolonged hostilities or a collapse of Iranian statehood could have far-reaching effects on Europe’s security, energy supply, and migration.

Merz stressed Germany’s support for the U.S. and Israel in addressing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs while emphasizing that “the Iranian people have the right to freely decide their fate.”

He called for a regional peace framework with France, the UK, and Gulf partners, stating that “the guiding principle must be a regional peace order” and that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs “must be verifiably ended.”

Merz also warned against the transfer of Iranian nuclear material to non-state actors and emphasized that “Iran must not become the scene of proxy wars, and the Iranian state as such must remain functional.”

Regarding migration, he said: “We also want to prevent uncontrolled migration from Iran… We do not want to experience a Syrian scenario.” He referenced Syria’s civil war, where millions fled to Europe, including Germany.