Iran criticizes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over regional remarks

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has issued a sharp rebuke of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of lacking the “minimum moral courage” to condemn military actions by the United States and Israel.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed Merz’s recent statements regarding Iran’s alleged military nuclear program and its regional influence as “deliberately distorted.” Baqaei rejected the characterization of regional groups as “proxies,” asserting instead that these are “independent actors with their own clear causes and calculations” fighting for self-determination.

Furthermore, the Iranian official denied the existence of a military nuclear program, labeling such claims an “Israeli-fabricated ‘big lie.’” Baqaei also criticized Germany’s foreign policy stance, suggesting that Berlin’s actions are influenced by a “guilt complex” that leads the nation to appease aggressors rather than defending peace.