Merz in Washington: Germany Seeks Its Place

First European Guest After the Attack

Three days after the US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is heading to Washington. As the first European head of government since the conflict began, he will meet US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday – a visit under extraordinary diplomatic pressure. The agenda includes bilateral economic relations, the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the simmering dispute over US import tariffs on European goods.

Distance Without Condemnation

Germany's stance on the Iran war is deliberately ambiguous. Merz emphasized that Germany is not involved in the military strikes – and will not be involved. However, he avoided public criticism of allies the US and Israel. "This is not without risk," Merz said with regard to the escalation, questioning whether military strikes from the outside can force political change within a country. At the same time, he described the Mullah regime as a "terror regime" that threatens Israel's right to exist, supports Hamas and Hezbollah, and systematically supports Russia's war against Ukraine.

The German government is calling for a clear "day after" plan for Iran: firstly, a new peace order in the Middle East with binding recognition of Israel's right to exist; secondly, an end to the Iranian nuclear and missile program; thirdly, economic stabilization of Iran; and fourthly, support for the Iranian people in their free self-determination. Merz is taking this agenda with him to Washington.

Thousands on German Streets

While Merz is engaged in diplomacy in the US, thousands are taking to the streets at home. In Frankfurt, around 2,000 people gathered on the Römerberg under the motto "Freedom for Iran." In Berlin, up to 1,600 people demonstrated at the Brandenburg Gate, and in Munich around 250 at the Gärtnerplatz. In Hamburg, around 5,500 people had previously demonstrated for a political change of power in Tehran. Many participants – often German-Iranians – see a real historical opportunity for system change for the first time in decades after the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Nuclear Partnership with Paris

Parallel to the Washington visit, Berlin is deepening security policy cooperation with France. Merz and President Emmanuel Macron have announced the establishment of a joint Nuclear Steering Group. This is intended to institutionalize coordination on issues of nuclear deterrence – including conventional German participation in French nuclear exercises and joint visits to strategic facilities. The agreement is an unmistakable signal: Germany is ready to take on more responsibility as a central European security actor – precisely because the reliability of American NATO guarantees has become more questionable.

Energy Prices as a Domestic Political Risk

The Iran war is noticeable for Germany not only geopolitically, but also economically. Experts warn of rising gasoline, diesel, and heating oil prices should the conflict endanger the oil and gas supply from the Gulf region. Further energy price increases would come at an inopportune time for an already weakening German economy. Merz will also address this in Washington – and try to convince Trump that European stability is in the American interest.

A Chancellor Between Two Stools

The Washington visit symbolizes Germany's new, uncomfortable role in world politics: too important to stand silently on the sidelines, too reserved to openly take sides. Merz is balancing between the transatlantic alliance, European solidarity, and the claim to an independent German foreign policy. How well he succeeds in this balancing act will be decided in these hours in the Oval Office.