German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday, April 27, 2026, that an "entire nation" (referring to the United States) is being "humiliated" by Iran's leadership during the ongoing conflict and stalled peace talks.

 

US is being ‘humiliated’ by Iran’s leadership, says Friedrich Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday, April 27, 2026, that an "entire nation" (referring to the United States) is being "humiliated" by Iran's leadership during the ongoing conflict and stalled peace talks.

 

Merz made these unusually blunt remarks during a visit with students in Marsberg, his home region of Sauerland. His criticism focused on the following key points:

 

Lack of Strategy: Merz argued that the U.S. entered the war without a clear "strategic exit". He compared the current situation to past military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he noted the U.S. struggled significantly with ending the conflicts.

Skillful "Non-Negotiation": He suggested that the Trump administration was being outplayed by Tehran's negotiators, who he described as "very skillful at not negotiating". Specifically, he noted how they let U.S. officials travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks only to send them back without results.

Iranian Resilience: Merz observed that Iran has proven "clearly stronger than expected," making a quick resolution unlikely.

Economic Impact on Germany: The Chancellor warned that the war is a "completely unnecessary" conflict that is directly damaging the German economy through high energy prices and increased instability.

 

These comments highlight a deepening rift between Germany and its NATO ally, the United States, as European leaders express growing frustration over the war's global economic consequences. Merz has previously described the U.S.-led military action as a "disastrous mistake" and questioned its legality under international law.