Merz: Israel is doing the "dirty work for all of us"

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed strong support for Israel and its military campaign against Iran, while speaking to German media on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit being held in Canada this year.

"This is the dirty work that Israel is doing to all of us," Merz said in an interview with broadcaster ZDF.

"We too are victims of this regime. This regime of mullahs has brought death and destruction to the world," he said.

Merz has also suggested that Israeli attacks on Iran could lead to the overthrow of the Islamic Republic's leadership.

"I believe that the attacks of recent days have weakened the mullahs' regime and I do not see that they will be able to return to their former strength, making the future of the state more uncertain," Merz said.

"To be honest, I find it hard to imagine that the mullahs' regime will return to its old functions. Major figures in the military leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are no longer alive and things will not be the same."

Asked whether he believes the United States will be involved in the military campaign against Iran, Merz said he believes "there is no decision yet from the American government."

"Now it depends on how ready the mullahs' regime will be to return to the negotiating table. If not, then there could be developments of this kind," he said.

Israel launched an air campaign on Friday targeting military and nuclear sites inside Iran, saying it aims to prevent its enemy from acquiring nuclear weapons.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that the military campaign may have other goals.

He said the day before that Israel "is changing the face of the Middle East" with this campaign, which could result in "radical changes" within the state.

Iran has been ruled by clerical leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and has been accused by the West of human rights abuses and brutal repression of dissidents.

G7 leaders called on Monday for de-escalation in the Middle East, stressing that Israel "has the right to defend itself" and that civilians must be protected on both sides. REL (A2 Televizion)