German chancellor criticises Trump for escalating war with Iran

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for escalating the war with Iran, despite Washington’s recent public statements highlighting prospects for a peace agreement.

Speaking during a stage interview, Merz said that, in his view, Trump was not working to de-escalate the situation or pursue a peaceful solution, but was instead contributing to a significant escalation with unpredictable consequences, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

“What Trump is actually doing at the moment is not de-escalating the situation or trying to reach a peaceful solution, but rather causing a massive escalation with an uncertain outcome,” Merz said in a stage interview.

Merz had initially expressed support for U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran. However, he now warned that the developments represented dangerous escalations that threatened not only those directly involved but the broader international community.

The German chancellor also stated that Germany would not organise military protection for the Strait of Hormuz while the war continues, signalling Berlin’s reluctance to deepen its military involvement at this stage.

In addition, Merz expressed scepticism about the feasibility of regime change in Iran. He questioned whether toppling the Iranian leadership was truly the objective and said that if it were, he did not believe it would succeed, arguing that such efforts have historically ended badly.

By Sabina Mammadli