Germany Threatens Iran; Why Has Friedrich Merz Shifted Course?
WANA (Apr 30) – Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, stated today during a visit to a Bundeswehr training base—while dressed in military attire—that Berlin is prepared to take military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In remarks read from a prepared statement, he also said that “Iran must come to the negotiating table.”
Rising prices for gasoline, diesel, and other essential goods across Europe—following the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz—have created serious challenges for European governments in managing markets and governance.
In Germany, the approval of an emergency energy package, fuel tax cuts, anti-price gouging measures, and other supportive and punitive policies have failed to fully offset the negative market impacts or prevent public protests against the government.
According to a recent poll by ARD, 58% of Germans oppose a war in Iran, while only 25% support it. This opposition spans across political parties, including right-wing factions.
Previously, the German government had explicitly stated it would not participate militarily in the conflict. Boris Pistorius had clearly said: “This is not our war; we did not start it.”
What has changed now that the current German Chancellor is threatening military action against Tehran? “We are also committed to ending Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible. If the necessary conditions are met, Germany is prepared to take military action to ensure freedom of navigation,” Merz said.
Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei: New Era for Persian Gulf Without U.S.
WANA (Apr 30) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei says the Islamic Republic will enforce a new legal framework to manage the Strait of Hormuz, ushering in “a new chapter” for the Persian Gulf and the strategic waterway. “The Islamic Republic, in grateful action for the divine blessing of managing […]
Merz had recently voiced sharp criticism of U.S. strategy in the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran. On April 27, 2026, speaking to high school students, he said the U.S. was “being humiliated” in the war and lacked “a clear strategy” for exiting the conflict, comparing the situation to the stalemates in Afghanistan and Iraq. His remarks reportedly angered Donald Trump, as Merz had previously been considered a relatively moderate European ally.
Trump’s first concrete step in response to Germany and NATO over their lack of support for the U.S. attack on Iran was reportedly to reduce American troop levels in Germany. Currently, around 36,400 U.S. troops are stationed in Germany, compared to 250,000 in 1985 before the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.
Just hours after Trump announced he was considering reducing U.S. forces in Germany, Merz emphasized the importance of the “transatlantic partnership.”
Analysts suggest that Merz’s anti-Iran rhetoric may be aimed at easing tensions with Washington while attempting to control rising energy prices and domestic economic pressures. “I have called for sanctions pressure on Tehran to be increased once again. If Hormuz remains blocked, it will cause enormous economic damage for all of us. Our message is that Iran must come to the negotiating table,” he said.
Trump claimed on April 29 that Merz “supports allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons,” despite Merz’s previous clear stance that Iran must never acquire them. The German Chancellor reiterated today that “Iran’s military nuclear program must be stopped.”
Observers say Trump’s current tactic is to shift public opinion and blame Europe for the failure of U.S. military policies toward Iran. This approach may already be drawing Germany deeper into a conflict that could further complicate its domestic situation and increase governance costs.
Germany continues to face criticism internationally for its strong support of Israel during the war in Gaza, including its role as the second-largest arms supplier to Israel. Political and legal backing of Israel, suppression of protests, and other anti-Palestinian measures remain fresh in global memory.
Merz reiterated this stance today, stating explicitly that “Iran must not carry out any further attacks against Israel.”
A woman walks past a billboard with a graphic design about the Strait of Hormuz on a building, amid a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 27, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Critics also point to Germany’s historical role during the Iran-Iraq War, alleging that its support for Saddam Hussein through the provision of materials and technology for chemical weapons contributed to Iranian casualties—an issue that still resonates in Iranian public opinion.
Tehran maintains that German policymakers lack independent decision-making and tend to follow U.S. foreign policy, making them more susceptible than leaders in London or Paris to pressure from Washington and pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Observers interpret Merz’s remarks as an attempt to reduce tensions with the United States, while avoiding deeper involvement in what some describe as Washington’s “reckless” policies. However, should Germany act on these statements and enter the escalating conflict in West Asia—particularly in the Strait of Hormuz—it risks making a significant strategic miscalculation.
Analysts warn that Iran’s current capabilities differ substantially from the past, and any country considering entering this conflict should carefully weigh the potential costs and consequences before taking action.
Cost of War with Iran in 40 Days; Pressure Comparable to the 20-Year Vietnam War
WANA (Apr 30) – According to estimates presented by several U.S. research centers and international media reports, the recent 40-day confrontation between the United States and Iran imposed costs of around $1 trillion on the U.S. economy—an amount that has drawn significant attention from analysts given the short duration of the conflict. Reports published on […]
