German Finance Minister: 'Trump's Reckless Iran War Behind Germany's Economic Slowdown'

(Seoul=News) German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has directly attributed his country's economic slowdown to U.S. President Donald Trump's war with Iran.

According to the BBC and other foreign media outlets, Minister Klingbeil criticized on the 7th (local time) that "President Trump's irresponsible Iran war is dealing a serious blow to the German economy." He pointed out that surging energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and shrinking exports are all directly linked to the military conflict in the Middle East.

The German economy posted virtually zero growth in the first quarter of this year, and given its manufacturing-centered industrial structure, it is considered particularly vulnerable to oil price volatility. In particular, Germany's automotive and chemical industries are facing mounting margin pressure due to the fallout from rising crude oil and natural gas prices.

Minister Klingbeil's remarks indicate that cracks between the U.S. and its European allies are coming to the surface. Major European countries had previously refrained from official criticism of the Trump administration's unilateral military action against Iran, but as the economic damage accumulates, public expressions of dissatisfaction are increasing.

Earlier, the French and Italian governments also voiced concerns about the economic burden caused by the prolonged Middle East crisis. Within the EU, voices are growing louder calling for an independent diplomatic solution separate from the United States.

The German government is reportedly reviewing an additional economic stimulus package and an expansion of energy subsidies. However, with concerns about fiscal soundness also being raised, disagreements over the direction of policy are emerging within the coalition government.