Details
- The Iran war has become a major test for Germany after 100 days, exposing tensions between Berlin’s loyalty to Washington, international law concerns and the economic cost of the conflict.
- Merz initially avoided describing the US-Israel strikes on Iran as a violation of international law, saying legal classifications would have little practical impact and that Washington and Tel Aviv had reasons for their actions.
- His position drew criticism from legal experts, opposition figures and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, while critics accused him of applying international law selectively compared with Germany’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Merz later shifted tone, saying the United States had “no convincing strategy” in the war and suggesting Iran’s leadership had exposed weaknesses in Washington’s approach.
- Trump responded angrily, saying Merz did not know what he was talking about, before announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from Germany, cancelling Tomahawk missile plans and reinstating tariffs on EU car exports.
- The conflict has also hit Germany economically, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz driving up oil and gas prices and adding pressure to an already weak economy.
- German public opinion has also moved against the military campaign, strengthening pressure on Berlin’s foreign-policy line. An ARD Deutschlandtrend poll found that 58% of respondents viewed the US-Israel action as unjustified, while trust in Washington has fallen sharply, with only 15% still considering the United States a reliable partner.
- Merz has tried to limit the damage with Washington by saying Germany could join a future naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end, with a German minesweeper placed on standby.
- The gesture has not fully repaired tensions. At a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump was disappointed with some allies’ response to US operations in the Middle East.
- Germany suffered its first-ever failure to win election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, losing to Portugal and Austria. The result has intensified debate in Berlin over whether Germany’s messaging on Israel, Iran, Ukraine and international law is costing it diplomatic support.
What Else
- Germany’s challenge is no longer only how to respond to the Iran war. Berlin is also trying to manage an unpredictable US partner, rising energy costs and public doubts about whether Washington can still be trusted as a reliable ally.
- The failed UN Security Council bid adds another layer to the problem. Even if it is not the main story, it suggests Germany’s foreign-policy messaging may be under strain internationally as well as domestically.
- The wider lesson for Merz is that Germany and Europe may need to define their own interests more clearly, especially as US policy shifts quickly and the costs of Middle East instability are felt directly at home.
