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Iranians Are Very Skillful, Humiliating the US': Merz Says Talks Stall
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised Iran’s leadership as humiliating the United States and questioned the US exit strategy in the Iran war during remarks in Marsberg. The report notes Iran’s foreign minister’s travel to Russia after failed talks in Pakistan and Oman, as well as ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and European responses.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight growing strains between the US and European allies over the Iran conflict, with potential implications for NATO cohesion and regional energy security.
Timeline
9 Events
Germany notes cost of the conflict on its economy
April 27, 2026
Merz said the conflict was costing Germany a lot of money, taxpayers' money and a lot of economic strength.
Hormuz Strait remains shut; energy markets affected
April 27, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz remained virtually shut, causing market turmoil and unprecedented disruption in energy supplies.
Trump criticises NATO allies for not sending navies to Hormuz
April 27, 2026
US President Donald Trump harshly criticised NATO allies for not sending their navies to help open the Strait of Hormuz.
Hormuz Strait partially mined; Europe offers minesweepers
April 27, 2026
Merz said the Strait of Hormuz had been at least partially mined and that Europeans offered to send German minesweepers to clear the strait.
Merz questions US exit strategy in Iran war
April 27, 2026
Merz stated he did not see what exit strategy the US was pursuing in the Iran war.
Merz remarks in Marsberg about Iran‑US talks
April 27, 2026
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran's leadership was humiliating the United States and that Iranians are skilled at negotiating, or rather not negotiating, during a talk to students in Marsberg, Germany.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi travels to Russia
April 27, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi travelled to Russia after failed talks in Pakistan and Oman.
Trump scrapped a visit by US envoys to Islamabad
April 25, 2026
Hopes of reviving peace efforts have receded since President Donald Trump scrapped a planned visit by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, Pakistan.
US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28; Europeans not consulted
February 28, 2026
Merz reiterated that Germans and Europeans were not consulted before the US and Israel started attacking Iran on February 28.