Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the leader said the United States was being “humiliated” by Iran during the ongoing standoff.
“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” the president wrote on social media.
“If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage. I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!” he added.
Merz made his comments while speaking to students in Germany, where he questioned the U.S. approach to negotiations with Tehran.
“Especially since the Iranians are negotiating very skillfully — or rather, very skillfully not negotiating,” Merz said, according to translated remarks. “And then letting the Americans travel to Islamabad, only to send them back without any results. An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards.”
He also warned about the challenges of prolonged conflicts, referencing past U.S. engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The exchange comes as tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, where a standoff has disrupted global shipping and energy markets. Germany has indicated it could assist with reopening the waterway by deploying minesweepers, but only after hostilities subside.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies, including Germany and the United Kingdom, for what he views as insufficient support during the Iran conflict.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. officials had planned talks in Pakistan involving envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, though the trip was canceled after new developments in negotiations.
President Trump said Iran has indicated it wants the Strait reopened quickly amid internal strain, while the United States continues to press for stricter terms on Tehran’s nuclear program.
The president also stated on Tuesday that Iran was in a state of collapse and willing to negotiate.
“Iran has just informed us that they are in a ‘State of Collapse.’ They want us to ‘Open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!). Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he posted to Truth Social.
