Iran is Easily Humiliating Trump in War Talks, Says German Chancellor

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday told reporters that the United States is facing a strategic setback in its war with Iran and President Donald Trump lacks a clear exit strategy while Tehran appears to be gaining ground.

Merz argued that the situation is complicated for Trump to make a workable plan to end the war. He pointed to past examples such as the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, where prolonged involvement led to costly and difficult withdrawals.

Merz said Iranian officials are handling negotiations effectively and showing more strength than expected, while the US side is being humiliated, particularly by the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

He urged the need to end the war quickly as it was also impacting Germany through increased energy costs and pressure on output.

He added that Berlin is willing to support efforts to secure global shipping routes, including the possible deployment of minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz.

He clarified that such involvement would depend on the war coming to an end.