Germany says Iranian attack brings the region to the brink

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says the Iranian attack on Israel had brought the region “to the edge of the abyss”.

“With its aggressive behaviour, with which it wants to destabilize a whole region, Iran is isolated. And Israel's capabilities have shown that Israel is strong, Israel can defend itself,” Baerbock said in Berlin.

“I call on all actors in the region to act prudently. The escalatory spiral must be broken. We must together find a way to end the violence,” Baerbock said.

She said Germany and its allies were discussing “consequences” following the Iranian attack, without elaborating.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking to reporters during a trip to China, said he would take part in a meeting of G7 leaders later Sunday.

“We will do everything to prevent a further escalation,” Scholz said. “We can only warn everyone, especially Iran, against continuing in this way.” Scholz is due to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday.