• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticizes U.S. handling of Iran conflict, says it entered without clear exit strategy.
  • Merz warns Iran is outmaneuvering U.S. diplomatically, calling the situation humiliating for America.
  • Germany offers mine-clearing support for Strait of Hormuz after fighting ends.

Merz’s Sharp Critique

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday lambasted U.S. decision-making in the escalating conflict with Iran, arguing that Washington entered the fighting without a coherent exit plan and is now being humiliated by Tehran’s leadership. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Merz said Iran has shown more resilience and negotiating skill than anticipated, effectively outmaneuvering American diplomacy.

“The United States appears to have no discernible exit strategy,” Merz said, according to people familiar with his remarks. “Iran is skillfully not negotiating, and the American nation is being humiliated by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.” He drew parallels to past U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, calling them cautionary examples of unclear strategy leading to prolonged conflict.

Merz’s comments reflect growing European frustration with the trajectory of the conflict, which he said is directly affecting Germany’s economic performance. “This situation is costing us significantly,” he noted, citing concerns over energy security and household costs tied to potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Germany’s Role and Conditions

Germany signaled it remains willing to help reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after hostilities cease, specifically through mine-clearing support. However, Merz emphasized that such assistance would only come after fighting ends, underscoring Berlin’s insistence on a political track once violence subsides. “A purely military approach cannot win this,” he said.

The chancellor’s remarks come amid a broader breakdown in direct high-level diplomatic contact between the U.S. and Iran, which sources say has raised the risk of miscalculation and further escalation. Merz called for a renewed diplomatic push, warning that without a credible off-ramp, the conflict risks spiraling out of control.

This article is based on statements from Chancellor Merz and people familiar with the matter. Attempts to reach the U.S. State Department for comment were unsuccessful.