Chancellor Scholz warns Iran risks ‘setting entire region on fire’ amid attacks on Israel

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a strong warning on Wednesday, urging Iran and Hezbollah to immediately halt their attacks on Israel, cautioning that Iran’s actions risk escalating the conflict across the Middle East.

Speaking to the media, Scholz emphasized the need to prevent further destabilization in the region.

“Iran is risking setting the entire region on fire – this must be prevented at all costs. Hezbollah and Iran must immediately cease their attacks on Israel,” Scholz said, according to Reuters.

Scholz also noted that Germany and its partners would continue diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Escalating violence in Israel and Lebanon

The conflict has seen rising violence, with Israel retaliating after a barrage of ballistic missiles launched by Iran struck targets across the country.

Last week, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, intensifying tensions.

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim are aimed at Hezbollah, have resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,000 people, with another 6,000 injured.

Around one million residents have been displaced from their homes, as Israeli forces ordered evacuations from over 20 villages in the region.

In Gaza, authorities report that over 40,000 people have been killed in the past year during Israel’s military campaign against Hamas.