Merz: ‘I Had Doubts from the Very Beginning’ About Iran War as Germany Suffers Economic Blow
Reflecto News | Breaking News | Europe & Iran War
BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has revealed he harbored “doubts from the very beginning” about the U.S.-led war with Iran, disclosing that Germany and Europe are now suffering “considerably” from the conflict’s fallout — particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with Spiegel, Merz offered his most detailed critique of the war since it began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28 .
“I had doubts from the very beginning about what started with the Iran war. We in Germany and in Europe are suffering considerably from the consequences — for example, from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This has direct effects on our energy supply and massive effects on our economic performance. And therefore, I am pushing for this conflict to be resolved.”
— Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany
🛑 ‘I Had Doubts’: The Origins of the War
Merz’s admission that he had “doubts from the very beginning” about the U.S.-led war suggests that European allies were either not fully consulted or that their concerns were dismissed .
Germany was not part of the initial coalition that struck Iran . Merz disclosed earlier this month that the German government was not consulted before the US-Israeli military action, and that he would have urged more restraint if given the opportunity.
Merz has publicly criticized Washington for lacking a “strategic exit plan,” warning that the US was repeating the mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan . His “doubts” thus reflect a fear that Washington would become bogged down and draw Europe into a prolonged economic crisis.
🇪🇺 ‘We Are Suffering Considerably’
The German Chancellor bluntly stated that Europe is bearing a heavy economic cost.
Key Economic Stresses:
- Energy Crisis: Closure of the strait spiked oil prices, hitting Germany’s industrial sector particularly hard.
- Inflation: Energy costs keep German inflation elevated (~3%+), eroding real wages.
- Supply Chains: Disruption to Red Sea and Hormuz shipping routes have forced German manufacturers to find alternative logistics, increasing costs.
Merz’s “pushing” for a resolution means Berlin is actively using diplomatic channels—including urging the White House to accept a phased ceasefire that would address the nuclear impasse later—though President Trump has so far resisted this approach .
🇺🇸 Pressure from Washington
The war has strained transatlantic unity. President Trump has accused Merz of being “weak” and spreading “disinformation” about U.S. policy. Trump falsely claimed that Merz “thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” an assertion Merz has never made.
Despite the strain, Merz is walking a tightrope, trying to avoid a complete rupture with the White House. However, by publicly expressing “doubts” about the war’s origins, he is giving voice to what many European leaders privately say .
🔮 What Comes Next
Merz will continue to press the White House for a diplomatic off-ramp. While Trump has opted for an extended blockade of Iran, Germany would likely support a phased deal that reopens the strait in exchange for a ceasefire, even if nuclear talks are postponed.
For the Chancellor, this war is not just a geopolitical problem but an existential economic threat to Germany’s prosperity .
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Merz’s Admission | “I had doubts from the very beginning” about the U.S. decision to start the war |
| Economic Fallout | Germany “suffering considerably” from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz |
| Energy Supply | Spiking energy prices have massive effects on economic performance |
| His Demand | “I am pushing for this conflict to be resolved” — by diplomacy |
| Continental Implication | While the U.S. is imposing a blockade, Germany is bleeding economically |
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Updated: April 29, 2026