From Progress to Regression: Iran Criticizes Germany’s Diplomatic Direction

In a series of posts on X, Araghchi criticized Merz’s approach to Iran, highlighting what he described as political misjudgments and inappropriate public statements.

“Germany was once the engine of Europe’s progress; now it has become an engine of regression,” Araghchi wrote, referring to the German leadership’s stance on Iran over recent months. He recalled that last September, at Merz’s urging, the E3—Germany, France, and the UK—abandoned their role in nuclear negotiations to push for the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran.

Now, Araghchi noted, Merz is seeking to rejoin the same diplomatic process. The Iranian minister also cited other instances of Merz’s alleged missteps, including celebratory remarks following an Israeli attack in June 2025 that killed over 1,000 Iranians and comments predicting Iran’s imminent collapse.

Araghchi emphasized that Germany’s people have long been valued by Iran for their contributions to global progress and innovation. “It is therefore especially regrettable that an individual such as Mr. Merz now represents Germany on the world stage,” he added.

The minister concluded with a hope for “more mature and honourable political leadership” to guide Germany in the future.