US being ‘humiliated’ by Iran, says Germany’s Merz
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharply criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of being "humiliated" by Iran and lacking a clear strategy to end the conflict.
- Merz stated that the U.S. misjudged Iran's strength and entered the war without a convincing negotiation plan, warning the situation could turn into a prolonged quagmire similar to Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Initially supportive of U.S. goals for regime change in Iran, Merz has grown increasingly critical as the war's economic impact worsens Germany's energy crisis.
- Germany has rejected U.S. requests for NATO involvement, emphasizing that the conflict is not NATO’s war, though it may consider a limited role in securing the Strait of Hormuz after fighting ends.
- The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has kept oil prices above $100 per barrel, exacerbating economic costs across Europe.
