Merz Criticizes Iran's Handling of U.S. Talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Iran's leadership for humiliating the United States during stalled talks, according to reports from multiple outlets. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Germany, Merz stated that Iran was skilled at not negotiating and letting U.S. officials travel to Pakistan without achieving any results.

The chancellor also expressed skepticism about the U.S.'s exit strategy in the conflict with Iran, highlighting deep divisions between Washington and its European NATO allies. The Strait of Hormuz has remained virtually shut due to the conflict, causing market turmoil and unprecedented disruption in energy supplies.

Merz reiterated that Germans and Europeans were not consulted before the U.S. and Israel started attacking Iran on February 28. He conveyed his skepticism directly to President Donald Trump afterwards, stating that if he had known the conflict would continue for five or six weeks and get progressively worse, he would have told Trump even more emphatically.

Hopes of reviving peace efforts have receded since Trump scrapped a visit by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi traveled to Russia on Monday after failed talks in Pakistan and Oman. Merz said it was evident the Strait of Hormuz had been at least partially mined, offering German minesweepers to clear the strait.

Merz also emphasized that the conflict was costing Germany a lot of money, taxpayers' money, and economic strength. The fallout from the conflict is already hitting Germany's economy, with concerns growing across Europe over energy disruptions and economic instability.