German foreign minister: Was the first foreign minister to be informed this morning by Israeli counterpart Sa'ar about imminent start of military oper...

German foreign minister: Was the first foreign minister to be informed this morning by Israeli counterpart Sa'ar about imminent start of military operations, says ministry official

Germany’s Wadephul First Foreign Minister Notified by Israel Ahead of Iran Strikes

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was the first foreign leader to be informed by his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, about the imminent start of military operations against Iran, according to a ministry official. The disclosure occurred during a crisis mission as tensions escalated in the Middle East, with Israel launching coordinated strikes alongside the United States. The German government confirmed it was "closely coordinating" with European allies and had been briefed in advance by Washington about the operation.

In an interview, Wadephul acknowledged that while the surprise element of such operations is strategically significant, Sa'ar provided "quick and comprehensive" updates following the attacks. The Foreign Minister emphasized Germany's role as a "fair and reliable dialogue partner" in the region, noting shared concerns with Israel over Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The military actions, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as "major combat operations," targeted Iranian leadership compounds, military infrastructure, and nuclear facilities, with Israel declaring a state of emergency amid anticipated retaliation. Germany's crisis management team convened to monitor developments, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz underscored the need to prevent regional destabilization.

Wadephul also addressed the broader implications of the conflict, stating that Germany upholds international law consistently across regions and rejects accusations of double standards. He highlighted the importance of "seamless foreign policy" with Merz, ensuring alignment on security and diplomatic priorities.

The resumption of German arms exports to Israel, effective November 24, was cited as a conditional measure tied to the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This decision, welcomed by Sa'ar, reflects Germany's balancing act between supporting Israel's security and addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

As the situation evolves, Germany's diplomatic engagement with Iran and its Gulf allies remains a priority, with Wadephul stressing that "talks are the category of diplomacy" amid heightened tensions. The conflict's economic and geopolitical ripple effects, including potential disruptions to energy markets and European security investments, will likely remain under scrutiny by investors and policymakers.