Iranian territory must not become an arena for proxy wars, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on March 6.

"The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained. The Iranian economy must not collapse," his words on the German government's website read.

He noted the need to preserve the Islamic Republic's integrity and statehood. Merz also did not rule out the possibility of lifting sanctions on Tehran and providing it with assistance if certain conditions are met.