Tehran's ultraconservative Hamshahri newspaper published an online article listing 13 world leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as 'wanted' for the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, threatening retaliation. The article was later deleted from the newspaper's website. German officials expressed concern over potential Iranian state-sponsored attacks in Europe, noting that around 180 individuals linked to Iranian security services are active in Germany. The German government responded reservedly, while security experts warned of possible lone actors or extremist mobilization.

Background: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled support for EU proposals for tougher trade measures against China, citing unfair trade practices and industrial overcapacity. Today: German politicians from both government and opposition are now advocating for a harder line against China, warning of 10,000 industrial job losses per month due to unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, and state-subsidized overcapacity. The coalition has proposed EU-level measures including higher tariffs and technology-sharing requirements, though experts warn of risks including a trade war and potential deindustrialization if isolation backfires.

Rhineland-Palatinate Minister-President Gordon Schnieder apologized for the state's failure to protect citizens during the catastrophic 2021 Ahr Valley flood, which killed over 130 people. At a memorial event, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also spoke, with Steinmeier linking the disaster to climate change and calling for better preparedness. The reconstruction is ongoing, with only €6.2 billion of the €30 billion federal fund disbursed so far.

A 16-year-old former student is in custody after stabbing two 13-year-old girls at a gymnasium in Schongau, Bavaria. The Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Extremism and Terrorism has taken over the investigation, citing evidence of an extremist motive. The suspect was already known to authorities for previous threats and glorification of school shootings.

Five years after the catastrophic July 2021 flood that killed 135 people in Germany's Ahr Valley, reconstruction is underway with billions in state and federal funding. Measures include a new 480-meter retaining wall in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, redesigned bridges, restored floodplains, and plans for 17 new retention dams up to 25 meters high at a projected cost of over €1.5 billion. The effort aims to build back better against future extreme floods, though full implementation will take decades. Local residents are also taking individual precautions such as flood barriers and sandbags.

In an interview, geographer Thomas Roggenkamp warns that Germany is well-prepared for small and medium floods but lacks experience with extreme events like the 2021 Ahr Valley disaster. He argues that climate change will make such extreme floods more frequent, requiring better early warning systems, retention basins, and a shift in planning away from relying solely on historical data.

Five years after the catastrophic Ahr Valley flood that killed 135 people, Germany continues to address shortcomings in civil protection revealed by the disaster. The state of Rhineland-Palatinate has installed over 850 new sirens, acquired rescue helicopters with winches, and established a new state office for fire and disaster protection. However, the Ahrweiler district only recently adopted an alarm and evacuation plan. The former district administrator faced investigation for negligent homicide but charges were dropped, sparking criticism from victims' families.