Mainz: Germany will be long affected by Middle East conflicts.

German Chancellor Merkel stated at a press conference in Berlin on the 13th that even if the Middle East conflict ends, Germany will still be long-term affected by it. Merkel expressed that she was "not surprised" by the lack of outcome in the negotiations between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, "from the beginning, I believed that they were not adequately prepared, so this will be a long process." She emphasized that as a result of the failed US-Iran talks and the US announcement of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices rose overnight. The German economy is expected to face tremendous pressure for a long period of time. The German government will do its best to maintain and enhance the country's economic competitiveness, while also easing the financial burden on households. However, she stressed that "this is not an easy task." Merkel stated that Germany will work together with European partners to push for an end to this conflict. On that day, Merkel met with leaders of the governing coalition parties and announced a series of measures to alleviate the impact of the current rise in oil prices, including a temporary reduction in diesel and gasoline energy taxes and allowing companies to provide tax-free subsidies.