On Iran, Germany Had a Moment; Merz Let It Slip |
There was a brief window in 2026 where Germany looked like it might actually lead. Instead, Merz has about-faced and tucked Germany’s national tail between its legs. From a moment that it might pursue a morally justified war to one where it is clearly shifting the conversation from the regime’s threat to Germany’s utility bills.
Under Friedrich Merz, the early tone on Iran wasn’t the usual cautious European hedging. It was clear, direct, and unmistakably anti-regime. It was outright bold and strategic. There were even murmurs—whether real or not—that Germany might join the offensive against the Islamic Republic.
The Germany government has stated more than once that: – They know about the regime targeting Iranian dissidents inside Germany.– They know about plots and threats against Jewish communities.– They know about infiltration and intelligence activity on their own soil.
And all this together would have been the perfect evolution for Germany, a country that is supposed to be stepping into a leadership role in Europe to combat threats from Russia. An independent defense posture doesn’t mean anything if it collapses the moment things get real.
And they did, indeed, get real.
Over the course of the war, the tone has flipped:
• March 1: “Together with the United States and Israel, we share the interest in ensuring that this regime’s terror ends and that its dangerous nuclear and ballistic program is stopped. The military strikes are intended to end the destructive game of a weakened........