Merz Criticizes US Iran War Strategy Lack

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the United States on Monday for entering its war with Iran without a clear strategy or exit plan, warning that the conflict risks becoming a prolonged quagmire similar to those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Speaking to students at CarolusMagnusGymnasium in Marsberg, a town in Germany's Sauerland region, Merz said the lack of planning has made resolution more difficult, especially as Iran has proven stronger than anticipated. "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," he told the students.

Merz accused Iran's leadership, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, of humiliating the United States through negotiation tactics. "The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skillful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result," he said. "An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership."

The remarks came amid stalled peace efforts. The U.S.-led conflict, known as Operation Epic Fury, began...