Many German companies reluctant to leave Iran

Moscow — Dozens of German companies continue to maintain their presence in Iran despite difficult geopolitical conditions and the imposition of sanctions, according to reports from German newspaper Die Welt.

The companies operate in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and household goods sectors.

Among the German companies that remain in Iran is chemical giant Henkel, which owns the brands Persil, Pril, and Schauma.

The contribution of Henkel’s subsidiary in Iran to the group’s total profit in 2024 amounted to 37 million euros (43 million US dollars at current exchange rates), the report stated.

According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), Iran has declined in its ranking among German trading partners from 60th place in 2019 to 72nd place in 2025.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks against targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by attacking Israeli territory and American military facilities in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel initially claimed that their attacks were necessary to counter threats they considered to originate from Iran’s nuclear programme. However, they subsequently clarified that the attacks were carried out because they sought to see a change of power in Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the killing of Khamenei as a cynical violation of international law. Russia’s Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) condemned the US-Israeli operation and called for immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.