- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that Iran is negotiating skillfully but must halt its military nuclear program and enter talks with the US.
- Iran has protested Merz’s remarks by summoning the German ambassador, signaling diplomatic tensions.
- Merz also cautions that there is no agreed plan to quickly end the conflict and warns of dangerous escalation.
Speaking in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Iranian negotiators are "obviously negotiating very skillfully" amid ongoing tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Merz urged Iran to halt its military nuclear activities and to "truly enter negotiations" with the United States, adding that Germany is coordinating closely with Washington to push for diplomacy.
"Iranians are proving to be tough negotiators, but the window for a peaceful solution is narrowing," Merz said at a press conference. He stressed that Iran must also cease its ballistic missile program and regional provocations, including threats to Israel and Gulf states. The chancellor warned that without substantive progress, the risk of escalation remains high.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded promptly, summoning the German ambassador to protest what it called "interfering statements." Iranian officials accused Berlin of echoing US pressure and cited historical grievances, reflecting frayed bilateral ties already strained by Western sanctions and human rights disputes.
Merz acknowledged that there is currently "no joint plan to quickly end the Iran conflict" and cautioned against expectations of a rapid breakthrough. He also reiterated that Germany would not ease sanctions on Russia in the context of Iran talks, linking the two geopolitical flashpoints.
Efforts to reach Iran’s mission for further comment were unsuccessful. The situation remains fluid, with European energy markets and global risk sentiment sensitive to any signs of escalation in the Middle East.