German minister warns Iran war could plunge world into major crisis

 Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned against any expansion of the Iran war, which he said would have global consequences.

The war has "a real potential for escalation, which could plunge not only this region but the world as a whole into a major crisis," Wadephul said at a meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot in Berlin on Wednesday.

The agricultural fertilizer supply secured from the region alone "is so essential that a prolonged absence would threaten a food crisis in large parts of Africa," Wadephul said.

The German minister warned that this should cause concern "because of the people who would suffer and, of course, because of the refugee flows that could result."

In view of the ongoing attacks in Iran by Israel and the United States, Wadephul emphasized that it is not to be expected "that such a military strike will lead to an orderly regime change."

He pointed out that neither in Iraq nor in Libya had military involvement achieved an orderly change towards a liberal, democratic and constitutional structure.

Wadephul said he would like to see a change within Iran towards a humane, dignified leadership, and that talks are also being held with the opposition to this end.

An attempt must be made with the US and Israel "to find a point at which the military goals that these two have set themselves have been achieved," Wadephul said. Then there would have to be a de-escalation and a settlement of the hostilities.

At the same time, security must be established for the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf states, Wadephul noted. This will be difficult, but he believes "that Europe can and should play a role in this."