Iran War Hits Domestic Economy; German Chancellor Blasts US Lack of Strategy
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US for having no exit strategy in the Iran conflict, stating that Germany, Europe's largest economy, is suffering the consequences of a poorly prepared war.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 12:30
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CNA News, Berlin, April 27. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated today that he sees no short-term exit strategy for the Iran war, claiming the US is being 'played' by Iran, while this underprepared conflict hurts Germany, the largest economy in Europe.
The Financial Times noted that Merz, traditionally a staunch supporter of trans-Atlantic relations, highlighted deepening European dissatisfaction. The war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 has crippled economic growth, disrupted global oil and gas supplies, and strained relations.
During a school visit in western Germany, Merz remarked that Washington 'clearly entered this war without a strategy' and failed to provide a convincing negotiation plan. He added that the Iranian leadership negotiated 'very skillfully'—or chose not to negotiate skillfully—effectively playing the entire US nation. While Merz initially defended the war, the escalating domestic economic crisis has fueled his criticism. Last week, the Economic Ministry was forced to halve Germany's growth forecast to 0.5%.
Despite massive public spending to upgrade infrastructure and military, Germany faces its fourth year of stagnation. Polls show the far-right AfD gaining from the conflict, with support hitting 27%, surpassing Merz's CDU. Aides reveal Merz also fears the war will hinder US arms aid to Ukraine. He lamented the high cost to taxpayers and the weakening of German economic strength, noting the painful lessons learned in Afghanistan and Iraq about how to withdraw from conflicts.
The Financial Times noted that Merz, traditionally a staunch supporter of trans-Atlantic relations, highlighted deepening European dissatisfaction. The war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 has crippled economic growth, disrupted global oil and gas supplies, and strained relations.
During a school visit in western Germany, Merz remarked that Washington 'clearly entered this war without a strategy' and failed to provide a convincing negotiation plan. He added that the Iranian leadership negotiated 'very skillfully'—or chose not to negotiate skillfully—effectively playing the entire US nation. While Merz initially defended the war, the escalating domestic economic crisis has fueled his criticism. Last week, the Economic Ministry was forced to halve Germany's growth forecast to 0.5%.
Despite massive public spending to upgrade infrastructure and military, Germany faces its fourth year of stagnation. Polls show the far-right AfD gaining from the conflict, with support hitting 27%, surpassing Merz's CDU. Aides reveal Merz also fears the war will hinder US arms aid to Ukraine. He lamented the high cost to taxpayers and the weakening of German economic strength, noting the painful lessons learned in Afghanistan and Iraq about how to withdraw from conflicts.