Germany Says Trump's Been 'Humiliated' by Iran in War
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized the U.S. approach to the conflict with Iran, stating that the Iranian leadership is humiliating the Trump administration due to a lack of clear strategy. Merz highlighted the economic toll on Germany and the EU, particularly rising energy costs from the blocked Strait of Hormuz. His remarks reflect broader concerns among U.S. allies about the coherence and consequences of American foreign policy in the region.
- ▪German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused the Trump administration of lacking a convincing strategy in the Iran conflict.
- ▪The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to an additional $29.2 billion in energy costs for EU members since the war began.
- ▪Merz warned the war could become a quagmire similar to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- ▪Germany has rejected U.S. calls for NATO involvement, calling the war 'not NATO's war.'
- ▪Trump responded by claiming Merz tolerates a nuclear-armed Iran and 'doesn’t know what he’s talking about.'
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By Brendan Cole and John FengShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the leadership in Tehran is humiliating U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the strongest criticism yet by the country at the heart of the European Union, G7 and NATO of the United States' approach to the war in Iran. Merz had offered qualified support at the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic, saying Berlin also wanted to see regime change in Tehran after Iranian authorities launched a brutal crackdown against protesters.
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