German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a sharp rebuke against Iran's leadership on Monday, accusing Tehran of humiliating the United States and criticizing Washington's strategy in the ongoing conflict. Speaking to students in Marsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Merz stated that U.S. officials had traveled to Pakistan without achieving any results, highlighting Iran's skillful avoidance of negotiations.
Merz Criticizes U.S. Exit Strategy
Merz expressed uncertainty about the U.S. exit strategy in the Iran war, underscoring deepening divisions between Washington and its European NATO allies. These tensions have been exacerbated by disagreements over Ukraine and other issues. He remarked, "The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skillful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result."
He added, "An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. And so I hope that this ends as quickly as possible."
Strait of Hormuz Crisis
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies for failing to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz, which remains virtually shut due to the conflict. This has caused market turmoil and unprecedented disruptions in energy supplies. Merz confirmed that the strait had been partially mined and that Germany had offered to send minesweepers to clear it, but the offer had not been taken up.
Merz reiterated that neither Germany nor other European nations were consulted before the U.S. and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28. He conveyed his skepticism directly to Trump afterward, stating, "If I had known that it would continue like this for five or six weeks and get progressively worse, I would have told him even more emphatically."
Peace Efforts Falter
Hopes for reviving peace efforts have diminished after Trump canceled a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi traveled to Russia on Monday following failed talks in Pakistan and Oman. Merz emphasized that the conflict is costing Germany significant taxpayer money and economic strength.
