German Chancellor Criticizes US and Israel Over Iran War

April 27, 2026 • Last Updated: April 27, 2026

AA / Berlin / Ayhan Simsek

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on Monday, reiterated his criticism of the United States and Israel regarding the extension of the war with Iran, while stating that Europeans will intensify their diplomatic efforts to find a solution.

“Regarding Iran, yes, I have been disappointed,” said Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Berlin, responding to previous remarks about the United States lacking an “exit strategy” and being “humiliated” by Tehran.

“The United States and Israel assumed, from the beginning, that this problem would be solved in a few days. However, we must now acknowledge that this is not the case,” continued the chancellor. “Therefore, we, from the European side, wish to contribute through diplomatic means to finding a solution.”

The conservative leader also emphasized that Germany had resumed direct talks with Iran and was consulting with regional partners to support diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict.

“We are closely coordinating our actions with the United States, but we also want to emphasize that we have our own European ideas on how to achieve a resolution to the conflict,” said Friedrich Merz. “I hope we succeed, but I am not certain,” he concluded.

* Translated from English by Adama Bamba