Merz Issues Ultimatum to Tehran: “Iran Must Come to the Negotiating Table Now”
In a dramatic diplomatic reset following weeks of transatlantic tension, the German Chancellor aligns fully with President Trump, demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and abandon its nuclear program—while Tehran fires back that the era of “unilateral musts” is over.
BERLIN / TEHRAN — In a forceful diplomatic declaration, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued an unequivocal ultimatum to the Islamic Republic of Iran: return to negotiations immediately, reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and permanently abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons .
The statement, made following a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Friday, represents a significant reset in German-Iranian relations and a mending of fences between Berlin and Washington after weeks of public acrimony .
“I had a good phone call with President Donald Trump on his way back from China,” Merz wrote on the social media platform X. “We agree: Iran must come to the negotiating table now. It must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons” .
The Transatlantic Reset: From Tension to Alignment
The chancellor’s coordinated statement with Trump marks a dramatic reversal from the open hostility that had characterized German-American relations just weeks earlier. Merz had previously provoked Washington’s ire by accusing the Trump administration of lacking a coherent strategy in the Iran conflict and allowing itself to be “humiliated” by Tehran .
Trump responded with characteristic force, launching a personal attack on the German leader. “The Chancellor of Germany should spend more time on ending the war with Russia/Ukraine (Where he has been totally ineffective!), and fixing his broken Country, especially Immigration and Energy, and less time on interfering with those that are getting rid of the Iran Nuclear threat,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform .
The US President went further, questioning Merz’s competence: “He has no idea what he’s talking about! It’s no wonder that Germany is doing so badly, both economically and in other respects” .
The strained relations had tangible consequences. The Pentagon announced plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 of the 39,000 US soldiers stationed in Germany, while Trump threatened 25 percent tariffs on European automobiles . Friday’s phone call appears to have at least temporarily halted this downward spiral.
Merz described the conversation as “good” and emphasized that “the United States and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO” . The two leaders also discussed a peaceful solution for Ukraine and coordinated positions ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July in Ankara .
The Substance: Three Non-Negotiable Demands
Merz’s statement to Iran contained three core demands, each representing a critical flashpoint in the ongoing conflict:
1. Return to the Negotiating Table
The call for renewed negotiations comes as diplomatic efforts have stalled. A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect on April 8, but talks held subsequently in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement . The ceasefire, described by Trump as being “on massive life support,” remains in place but is increasingly fragile.
Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal to the United States through Pakistan, drafted in response to a nine-point US plan . However, Trump has expressed skepticism about reaching a deal, stating he is reviewing the offer but is “not sure he can make a deal with Iran” .
2. Immediate Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz—the narrow waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes—has been effectively closed to normal commercial transit since Iran announced the blockade following US and Israeli strikes on February 28 .
Iran briefly announced the strait’s reopening on April 17 during a ceasefire linked to Lebanon, but reinstated the closure just one day later, accusing Washington of not lifting its maritime restrictions . The continued closure has sent global energy prices soaring and disrupted international supply chains, with Germany among the nations feeling the economic pressure.
3. Verifiable Renunciation of Nuclear Weapons
The demand that Tehran “must not possess nuclear weapons” echoes longstanding Western concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. Germany has insisted that any negotiated solution must include Iran “completely and verifiably renouncing nuclear weapons” .
This stance was reinforced earlier in May when German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Wadephul emphasized that “as a close US ally, we share the same goal,” aligning Berlin firmly with Washington’s position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions .
Iran’s Defiant Response: “The Era of Unilateral ‘Musts’ Is Over”
Tehran was swift to reject Merz’s demands, delivering a pointed rebuke that underscored the deep chasm between the two sides.
Iran’s ambassador to Germany, Majid Nili, issued a statement late Friday dismissing what he described as the chancellor’s “authoritarian” language. “The era of commanding and unilateral ‘musts’ is over,” Nili declared .
The ambassador directly challenged the premise of Merz’s ultimatum. “If the aim is pressure and excessive demands, the failed experience of American and Israeli warmongers is there for all to see,” he added .
On the nuclear question, Nili was categorical: “You know very well that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons. Do not point the finger at the wrong address” . This denial, while consistent with Iran’s official position, contradicts intelligence assessments from multiple Western nations that have long suspected Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability.
Nili also turned the tables on Germany, demanding that Berlin condemn US actions rather than pressure Iran. “If your concern truly is peace, then as a first step and as a human responsibility, you must condemn the crime of US aggressors targeting elementary school students in Minab,” he said, referencing an incident that has become a symbol of civilian casualties in the conflict .
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach, emphasizing that Tehran is pursuing initiatives to end what he describes as an “imposed war” initiated by the United States and Israel .
The Broader Context: A War Without End
Merz’s ultimatum comes against the backdrop of a conflict that has defied resolution despite months of fighting and intensive diplomacy.
How the War Began
The current hostilities erupted on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iranian territory. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US allies in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while announcing the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to normal commercial shipping .
The Ceasefire That Wasn’t
An April 8 ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation halted the most intense phase of the fighting. However, the truce has failed to produce a permanent resolution . Iran seeks a complete end to hostilities, while the United States insists that Tehran must first lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade .
Regional Escalation
The conflict has drawn in other regional powers in ways not previously acknowledged. Recent reports indicate that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have carried out their own military strikes on Iranian territory in retaliation for Iranian attacks on their soil—the first known instances of direct Gulf state strikes on Iran .
The UAE, in particular, has emerged as a key partner in the US-Israeli military posture, reportedly hosting Israeli Iron Dome batteries and coordinating intelligence sharing . These developments have further complicated diplomatic efforts, as Gulf states that were once potential mediators have become active participants in the conflict.
Germany’s Stakes: Economic Pressure and Strategic Interests
For Germany, the Iran conflict is not a distant crisis but a matter of immediate economic consequence. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, driving up prices for oil and natural gas. Germany, which has struggled with energy security since the reduction of Russian gas imports following the Ukraine war, is particularly vulnerable.
The economic fallout has been exacerbated by US threats of tariffs on European automobiles—a move that would strike at the heart of the German economy . Trump’s public criticism of Germany’s economic performance (“it’s no wonder that Germany is doing so badly”) has added insult to injury .
Merz’s diplomatic reset with Washington can be understood partly as a pragmatic response to these economic pressures. By aligning with Trump on Iran, the chancellor may be seeking to forestall the threatened troop withdrawals and tariffs that would further damage German interests.
At the same time, Merz has signaled a broader reassessment of transatlantic relations. Speaking at the Catholic Day festival in Würzburg, he admitted to a “change” in his view of the United States, stating that he would not recommend his children pursue careers in America due to the shifting social climate there .
What Comes Next: Diplomatic Pathways and Potential Pitfalls
The path forward remains highly uncertain, with several factors likely to determine whether Merz’s ultimatum leads to negotiations or further escalation.
Possible Scenarios
| Scenario | Likelihood | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Renewed Negotiations | Moderate | Iran’s 14-point proposal provides a potential framework; US and Iran both face pressure to resolve the conflict |
| Continued Stalemate | High | Deep mutual distrust; conflicting demands over strait reopening and nuclear program |
| Ceasefire Collapse | Moderate | Israeli officials have declared readiness to resume operations; Hezbollah front remains active |
| Broader Regional War | Low | Would require major miscalculation or provocation; all sides have thus far shown restraint |
Key Diplomatic Developments to Watch
- Iran’s Response to Merz: Tehran’s initial rejection was emphatic, but whether it represents a final position or an opening gambit remains unclear.
- The NATO Summit: Merz and Trump are expected to meet at the NATO summit in Ankara in July, where Iran will likely be a central topic .
- The Strait of Hormuz: Any movement on reopening the strait would signal genuine progress toward de-escalation.
- The Nuclear Question: Iran’s enrichment activities and IAEA access will be critical indicators of its intentions.
The Israeli Factor
Israel remains a wild card. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the war with Iran “is not over yet” and that “there is still work to be done” . Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel “may soon be required to act again” against Iran. Any Israeli decision to resume military operations would almost certainly derail diplomatic efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly did Chancellor Merz say about Iran?
A: Following a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Merz stated that Germany and the US agree on three points: “Iran must come to the negotiating table now. It must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons” .
Q2: Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?
A: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Iran has effectively closed the strait to normal commercial shipping since the war began on February 28, causing global energy prices to soar and disrupting international supply chains .
Q3: How did Iran respond to Merz’s demands?
A: Iran’s ambassador to Germany, Majid Nili, issued a pointed response declaring that “the era of commanding and unilateral ‘musts’ is over.” He rejected allegations about Iran’s nuclear program, stating, “You know very well that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons” .
Q4: Weren’t Germany and the US recently in conflict over Iran?
A: Yes. Just weeks before the phone call, Merz had accused the Trump administration of lacking a strategy in the Iran conflict and allowing itself to be “humiliated” by Tehran. Trump responded with personal attacks on Merz, calling him “totally ineffective” and questioning his competence. The US also threatened troop withdrawals and tariffs on European cars .
Q5: Has Iran offered any diplomatic proposal?
A: Yes. Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal to the United States through Pakistan, drafted in response to a nine-point US plan. However, President Trump has expressed skepticism about reaching a deal, stating he is reviewing the offer but is “not sure he can make a deal with Iran” .
Q6: Is there currently a ceasefire in place?
A: A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect on April 8. However, talks held subsequently in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump has described the ceasefire as being “on massive life support,” and both sides have warned of the potential for renewed hostilities .
Q7: What is Germany’s position on Iran’s nuclear program?
A: Germany has consistently insisted that Iran must “completely and verifiably renounce nuclear weapons.” This position was reinforced by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart earlier in May, during which he stated that Germany “shares the same goal” as the United States on this issue .
Q8: Could this lead to renewed fighting?
A: The risk remains significant. Israeli officials have declared readiness to resume military operations against Iran, and the fragile ceasefire could collapse if diplomatic efforts fail. However, both sides have thus far shown restraint, and there remains a window for negotiation .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iran conflict and any response from Tehran to Chancellor Merz’s demands.