Germany pivots to Gulf states amid US-Iran war, seeks diplomatic partners
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met with counterparts from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan on May 21 as Berlin shifts from mediating the US-Iran conflict to strengthening ties with Gulf states. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was "disillusioned" by the course of the war and that Germany has "its own European ideas" for a resolution. The diplomatic push also supports Germany's bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat, with a vote scheduled for June 3.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on May 21 and also received UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdallah, as Berlin shifts its diplomatic focus from mediating the US-Iran conflict to strengthening ties with Gulf states.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was "disillusioned" by the actions of the US and Israel against Iran, adding that Germany has "its own European ideas on how the conflict can be resolved." Merz made the remarks in Berlin at the end of April, after nearly two months of war, following a closed-door meeting of his party. He noted there had been no quick resolution as initially expected by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Germany is banking on diplomacy with Gulf states amid the deadlocked US-Iran war, as those states grow increasingly concerned about the conflict and Russia's support for Iran. Max Hofmann, head of DW's Berlin bureau, said "the US is failing in its role as a partner and protector." Hofmann added that through the war and its consequences, the US is jeopardizing the security and economic models of many countries in the region, making Germany an attractive partner because of its commitment to a rules-based order.
Philipp Dienstbier, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Regional Program in Amman, said the pivot toward Gulf states "comes as no surprise." Dienstbier noted that even before the war, high-ranking German officials — including Chancellor Merz and Minister of Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche — visited the Gulf states to signal interest in long-term, strategic cooperation, demonstrating that the region was already at the top of Germany's agenda.
Wadephul also met with Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, which holds the ASEAN presidency. Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has hit ASEAN nations hard. Lifting the blockade is a key concern for Germany, and Gulf states are working on alternative transport options, according to Hofmann.
Germany is campaigning for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat; the UN General Assembly vote is on June 3. Austria and Portugal are also applying for the European group seat. Every conversation with UN representatives is seen as helpful to Germany's bid.