Berlin, March 19 (QNA) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed his country's refusal to participate in any military action against Iran.

In remarks today, Merz said that Germany would have advised against launching a war against Iran had it been consulted beforehand, noting that all of Europe shares the same position of non-involvement in the ongoing escalation in the Middle East.

German radio reported that Merz emphasized that Berlin's and Europe's non-involvement in the region's developments also extends to non-participation in any military missions to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He also affirmed that Berlin does not wish to harm the transatlantic partnership, despite disagreements with Washington regarding the conduct of the war.

In the same context, Merz linked the developments in the Middle East to the need to strengthen Europe's economic power, stressing that the European Union is required to enhance its competitiveness and reduce its dependence on external sources in a world characterized by increasing crises and tensions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had warned days earlier that a prolonged war on Iran could lead to uncontrollable consequences in the Middle East and beyond, including Europe, noting that a prolonged war would not be in Europe's interest. (QNA)