By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-is-being-humiliated-by-the-iranian-leadership-germanys-merz-says Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter U.S. 'is being humiliated' by the Iranian leadership, Germany's Merz says World Apr 27, 2026 12:51 PM EDT German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday criticized the United States for going into the Iran war without any strategy, saying this also makes it harder to end the conflict. "The problem with conflicts like these is always the same: it's not just about getting in; you also have to get out. We saw that all too painfully in Afghanistan, for 20 years. We saw it in Iraq," the chancellor said while speaking Monday to students in Marsberg in the Sauerland region of Germany. WATCH LIVE: Trumps greet King Charles and Queen Camilla for White House visit The lack of U.S. strategy and the fact that the Iranians are stronger than previously thought made it hard to end the conflict now, he said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "Especially since the Iranians are negotiating very skillfully — or rather, very skillfully not negotiating," he added. "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." READ MORE: Here's what to know about ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran Germany, he said, maintains its offer to send minesweepers in order to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but only after the fighting is over. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday criticized the United States for going into the Iran war without any strategy, saying this also makes it harder to end the conflict. "The problem with conflicts like these is always the same: it's not just about getting in; you also have to get out. We saw that all too painfully in Afghanistan, for 20 years. We saw it in Iraq," the chancellor said while speaking Monday to students in Marsberg in the Sauerland region of Germany. WATCH LIVE: Trumps greet King Charles and Queen Camilla for White House visit The lack of U.S. strategy and the fact that the Iranians are stronger than previously thought made it hard to end the conflict now, he said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "Especially since the Iranians are negotiating very skillfully — or rather, very skillfully not negotiating," he added. "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." READ MORE: Here's what to know about ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran Germany, he said, maintains its offer to send minesweepers in order to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but only after the fighting is over. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now