Germany’s president in the spotlight as EU tempers Ukraine and Middle East tensions; Steinmeier, ex-foreign minister, leads diplomatically. Bio: Franz-Walter Steinmeier, born 1956, German politician, President since 2017, former Foreign Minister.
Since late February the US and Israel have launched a campaign to degrade Iran’s regime and military; Iran has struck back at Gulf energy infrastructure and closed the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil and fertiliser prices higher and forcing global markets and some allies to distance themselves from Washington. Tensions are persisting and economic pain is widening as diplomacy stalls.
German President Steinmeier sharply criticized the US-led war on Iran, calling it a breach of international law and a political mistake. He warned that US relations with Germany and Europe will not return to pre-2025 levels, highlighting deepening transatlantic rifts.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Germany and the UK to discuss reconstruction and migration. Germany aims to facilitate the return of Syrians, with officials emphasizing economic rebuilding and diplomatic normalization. Critics highlight ongoing instability and past concerns about Sharaa's Islamist background.