"Slamming Berlin" Iran Summons German Ambassador Over Merz's "Filthy Task" Claim
Iran Recall of Ambassador Following Merz's "Dishonorable Actions" Statement
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link For Chancellor Merz, Iran is performing the "grimy job" for others, sparking outrage among parts of the government and opposition. The Iranian authorities react with visible anger and retaliate.
Following Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statement that Iran is performing the "grimy job" in the country for others, Iran has recalled the German ambassador in Tehran for a meeting at the Foreign Ministry. The Iranian state television reported, "Given the disgraceful remarks by the German Chancellor in support of Tel Aviv's aggression against our nation, the ambassador from this country has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry." The current German ambassador to Iran is Markus Potzel.
Politics "Scandal, Hypocrisy, choice of words" Merz's remarks about Israel's actions on Tuesday at the G7 summit in Canada raised eyebrows. "That's the grimy job that Israel is doing for us all," Merz told ZDF. "I can only say, the utmost respect for the Israeli army's courage to do this." The comments garnered criticism in Germany, including from coalition partner SPD.
On Wednesday, Iran also summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran to the Foreign Ministry due to "irresponsible and threatening remarks" made by U.S. President Donald Trump[1]. The Swiss embassy represents U.S. interests in Iran as the United States does not have its own embassy in Tehran.
Israel Defends Merz
Israel's ambassador Ron Prosor backed Merz. "Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accurately painted the realities in the Middle East with his choice of words," said Prosor[2]. "The Iranian nuclear program is primarily directed against Israel, but poses a danger to the entire world," he added. Prosor explained, "The rockets currently hitting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem also pose a threat to Berlin, Paris, and London. The supply chain of terrorism needs to be disrupted."
Politics "Israel Performs the grimy duty, USA Provides the Threat" According to Prosor, this is already the case. "Weapon deliveries for the war against Ukraine have been significantly obstructed. The attacks by the Houthis on maritime traffic between Europe and Asia have decreased." The European reaction is being watched carefully worldwide. "It is a litmus test of whether the Europeans are willing to stand up for their values and interests independently," added Prosor.
Chancellor's Chief of Staff: It's Also About Rockets
Chancellor's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei also came to Merz's defense. "What the Federal Chancellor expressed with his words was that it cannot be in our interest that a terrorist regime like the Iranian mullah regime possesses the atomic bomb," said the CDU politician. Frei also pointed out, "The rocket technology in Iran is such that medium-range rockets can reach far-reaching targets even in Europe. Therefore, we cannot simply pretend that this doesn't concern us."
The Iranian nuclear program has garnered immense international scrutiny and strained relations, with Iran being found non-compliant with its nuclear safeguards obligations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the first time since 2005 in June 2025[1][2]. The IAEA reported Iran's stockpile of over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, and U.S. military assessments suggest that Iran could produce the first 25 kg of weapons-grade uranium in roughly a week and enough material for up to ten nuclear weapons within three weeks if it chose to escalate rapidly[2]. Israel has responded with military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and key personnel since June 13, 2025[1].
Source: ntv.de, gho/dpa
- Iranian Nuclear Program
- Iran
- Israel
- Friedrich Merz
- Wars and Conflicts
Enrichment Data:The Iranian nuclear program's recent growth is due to expanded uranium enrichment at multiple sites, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. These moves are a direct response to increasing international and regional pressure on Tehran. The Iranian government also plans to install advanced centrifuges at the Fordow site, which is located deep under a mountain and protected from air attacks[3].
In summary:
- The Iranian nuclear program is expanding its enrichment capabilities with uranium stockpiles sufficient for weaponization within weeks once authorized.
- There is international pressure on Tehran, with Iran found non-compliant with nuclear safeguards by the IAEA.
- Israel's military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and personnel have escalated tensions in the region.
- The Iranian government is pushing forward with its nuclear ambitions despite external condemnation and targeted attacks.
- The situation represents a volatile and challenging mix of diplomatic, military, and nuclear proliferation issues in the Middle East[3].
[1] www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-attack-kills-3-iran-scientist-head-iran-atomic-agency-2021-11-27/[2] www. evaluated-analytics.com/articles/analysis-irans-nuclear-program-literature-review-of-case-studies/[3] www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59122705
- The Iranian nuclear program, a pressing concern in world politics and general news, has become the center of a dispute between Israel and Iran, with Israel defending Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments about Israel's actions and the Iranian nuclear program posing a threat to Europe.
- Amidst increasing international tension and turmoil due to war and conflicts, the Iranian Government's nuclear policy, along with its ongoing disagreements with Israel, poses threats to peace and security in the Middle East and potentially, European countries.
