Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Federal Chancellor, criticised the United States’ approach to negotiations with Iran on Monday, saying Washington lacks a clear strategy and is being “humiliated” by Tehran. Merz made the comments while visiting a school in Marsberg, North Rhine‑Westphalia, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy markets.
According to Merz, Iran has proven stronger than many had anticipated, while the United States has not presented a convincing plan to resolve the dispute. “The Iranians are clearly stronger than expected, and the Americans clearly have no truly convincing strategy in the negotiations either,” he told the audience, referencing the prolonged blockage of the strategic waterway that routes a significant share of the world’s oil shipments.
The chancellor warned that military engagements often lack clear exit strategies, citing the United States’ 20‑year involvement in Afghanistan and the protracted conflict in Iraq as examples of costly entanglements. “The problem with conflicts like this is always that you don’t just have to get in – you also have to get out again,” Merz said, adding that he sees no evident path for a strategic withdrawal by the United States at present.
Merz also suggested that Iran’s leadership, particularly the Revolutionary Guard Corps, is using the situation to demean an entire nation. He questioned the effectiveness of Tehran’s diplomatic overtures, describing them as either “very skillfully” negotiated or “very skillfully not negotiated.”
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region. On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned diplomatic mission to Pakistan that was intended to facilitate talks with Iran, stating that the United States held “all the cards.” Earlier reports from The New York Times and Reuters indicated Trump’s dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the strait and end hostilities.
Since February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted air strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic‑missile programs. Despite the campaign, Iran has continued to launch missiles and drones toward Israeli and U.S. installations in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed to “hostile” shipping, a move Tehran says is a response to perceived aggression.
The ongoing closure has pushed oil prices upward and raised concerns about broader supply‑chain disruptions. Analysts note that a resolution will likely require coordinated diplomatic pressure from multiple powers, as well as a clear exit strategy for the United States and its allies.
The situation underscores the complexity of the Middle‑East security environment and the challenges faced by national leaders seeking to balance military objectives with diplomatic negotiations. Further developments will depend on whether Tehran and Washington can find mutually acceptable terms that restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and de‑escalate the regional conflict.
