German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the United States has been “humiliated” in its conflict with Iran. Speaking to students in Marsberg, he warned Europe faces two core risks: getting trapped in a widening military engagement with no clean exit, and rising economic and energy disruption as supply chains and shipping — especially through the Strait of Hormuz — come under pressure. Merz added that Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps appear to be negotiating “very skilfully.”

Merz's warning: no clear exit German Chancellor Friedrich Merz used blunt language, saying the United States has been “humiliated” in its conflict with Iran and stressing the bigger problem is finding a way out once military engagement begins. Speaking in Marsberg, he compared the situation to past long campaigns, noting that getting into a conflict is only half the challenge — getting out is the other. He cited Afghanistan’s long presence and the Iraq campaign as painful examples of prolonged entanglement. Merz described Iranian leaders and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as negotiating “very skilfully” and as looking “clearly stronger than one thought.” He argued that the way the confrontation has unfolded on the international stage leaves the US in a weakened position and complicates allied decision-making about deeper involvement. Two risks for Europe (as flagged by Merz): - Exit dilemma: A widening conflict may trap Western powers in prolonged operations with no clean withdrawal plan, shaping how NATO and partners weigh further commitments. - Economic and energy disruption: Merz said the conflict is already costing Germany and linked escalation to supply-chain and energy risks, particularly via the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for global oil shipments. Germany’s conditional operational offer Merz did not announce new German military steps but said Berlin stands ready to deploy minesweepers to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — explicitly conditioned on a cessation of hostilities. That phrasing signals limits to immediate operational options: Germany is willing to assist in keeping oil and cargo moving, but only if the combat situation becomes less acute. European security debate and nuclear context German officials have also highlighted how nuclear threats and non-proliferation concerns continue to shape the wider security environment. France and Germany have moved to deepen cooperation on deterrence, reflecting rising anxiety across European capitals about regional instability and how to reassure allies while protecting maritime trade routes.

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Merz said Berlin would send minesweepers to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — but only once hostilities have ceased.

This article was created with AI assistance.