INTERNATIONAL — March 25, 2026

German President Calls US War on Iran 'Catastrophic Political Mistake'

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sharply criticized the US for starting a war against Iran, calling it a 'catastrophic political mistake' and violation of international law. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi welcomed the remarks as 'unprecedented' among Western leaders.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with RTA2 min read

German President Calls US War on Iran 'Catastrophic Political Mistake'
Image courtesy RTA

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has sharply criticized the United States for initiating a war against Iran, labeling it a "catastrophic political mistake."

In unusual and strong statements, Steinmeier described the conflict as a clear violation of international law. His remarks represent a rare public rebuke from a Western leader against U.S. military action in the region.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi welcomed Steinmeier's position, calling it "unprecedented" among Western leaders. Araqchi shared his response on his X page, highlighting the significance of the German president's criticism.

Steinmeier's comments come amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, though specific details on the war's outset were not elaborated in his statements. The German president's intervention underscores divisions within Western alliances over the use of force against Iran.

Araqchi's endorsement reflects Tehran's efforts to leverage international criticism to bolster its diplomatic stance. The exchange highlights ongoing debates over the legality and consequences of military engagements in the Middle East.

Read the original reporting at RTA

Reliability assessment

Single source (RTA) reports direct, on-record statements by named officials: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araqchi (specifically on his X page). 'X said Y' is concrete, attributable, and reliable.

The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. RTA: 'انتقاد تند' ('sharp criticism'), 'اشتباه سیاسی فاجعه‌بار' ('catastrophic political mistake'), 'اظهارات غیرمعمول و تند' ('unusual and sharp statements') — these phrases use intense, judgmental language that adds emotional framing and advocacy to the reporting.

Independent web corroboration

A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:

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Filed under

InternationalFrank-Walter Steinmeier, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Germany, Iran, US-Iran war

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