"Sparking Outrage" Iran Summons German Ambassador Over Merz's "Unpleasant Task" Comment
Iran Recalls Ambassador over "Dishonorable Work" Comment by Merz
In an eyebrow-raising statement, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz referred to Israel as conducting the "unpleasant task" for others in Iran. This remark has sparked strong reactions within parts of the Iranian government and opposition, resulting in a visible angry response from the regime.
Iran has officially summoned the German ambassador in Tehran, diplomat Markus Potzel. The state television reported, "Following the distasteful remarks of the German Chancellor in support of Tel Aviv's aggression against our country, the ambassador of this country has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
Controversy Echoes at Home and Abroad
Merz's comments drew sharp criticism across Germany, including from coalition partner SPD. The international community, too, remains divided over this sensitive issue, illustrating rising tensions in the region.
Israel's ambassador, Ron Prosor, defended Merz, stating, "Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clearly described the harsh realities in the Middle East with his choice of words." Prosor further noted that "the Iranian nuclear program is primarily directed against Israel, but threatens the security of the whole world."
On the other hand, SPD leader Norbert Röttgen criticized Merz's remarks, asserting that "it's not the role of the Federal Chancellor, nor any German politician, to take sides in conflicts between nations."
Nuclear Ambitions and International Concerns
The Iranian nuclear program has been a source of international concern for years, with Iran accused of pursuing nuclear weapons despite its denials. As the program advances, the IAEA has formally declared Iran non-compliant, citing concerns over undeclared sites and enriched uranium stockpiles.
In response to these developments, Israel has executed targeted military strikes since mid-2025, aiming to disrupt Iran's nuclear program and associated military assets. Europe, including Germany, has been closely monitoring the situation, engaging in diplomatic negotiations while the international community remains divided on the issue.
- Iranian Nuclear Program
- Israel
- Iran
- Friedrich Merz
- Politics
Enrichment Data (for context)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern over Iran's nuclear program, with reports of unexplained traces of uranium found at undeclared sites and the stockpiling of more than 400 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%. This amount of enriched uranium could potentially be used to create approximately nine nuclear weapons if further enrichment to weapons-grade (90%) is achieved.
Moreover, Israel's military actions are intended to disrupt Iran's nuclear program and its associated military assets. These strikes have significantly damaged the enrichment plants at Natanz and Isfahan, and Iranian nuclear scientists have been targeted with assassination attempts, including via car bombs.
[1] International Atomic Energy Agency, "Iran – Nuclear Verification and Monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council Resolutions," 2025.
[2] Arms Control Association, "Iran’s Nuclear Program: Status and Implications," 2025.
[3] "Iran's Nuclear Program: What You Need to Know," Council on Foreign Relations, 2025.
[4] "Iran's Nuclear Ambitions: A History," Brookings Institution, 2025.
- The Iranian nuclear program, a long-standing source of international concern, has been repeatedly criticized due to its alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite Iran's continuous denials.
- The Israeli government, under the leadership of its ambassador Ron Prosor, has defended Friedrich Merz's controversial comments on Iran, asserting that the Iranian nuclear program presents an imminent threat to both Israel and international peace and security.
