INTERNATIONAL — April 28, 2026
German Chancellor Says Iran Has Humiliated U.S. Amid Ongoing Tensions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Iran has humiliated the United States amid ongoing tensions, citing diplomatic setbacks and a lack of a clear U.S. exit strategy while calling for an immediate end to hostilities.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok — corroborated by RTA — 2 min read

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Iran has humiliated the United States amid ongoing tensions and recent clashes between the two nations. Speaking on the evolving situation, Merz asserted that Tehran has demonstrated greater resilience than anticipated, securing a strategic and political advantage while leaving Washington without a clear exit strategy from the crisis.
The chancellor highlighted diplomatic setbacks as a key factor in his assessment, pointing to recent U.S. negotiations in Pakistan that concluded without tangible results. He also criticized the military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, noting that European allies were not consulted prior to the operations. Merz emphasized that the lack of coordination has strained transatlantic relations.
Merz called for an immediate end to the hostilities, warning that a prolonged conflict would carry significant economic consequences for Germany. He cautioned that the absence of a defined resolution could lead to further regional escalation.
While coverage of the remarks varies in emphasis, both reports confirm the chancellor’s central assertion regarding Iran’s perceived upper hand and the United States’ current diplomatic and strategic challenges. The comments reflect growing European concern over the trajectory of the conflict and its broader geopolitical and economic implications.
Read the original reporting at Pajhwok →
Reliability assessment
Two independent outlets corroborate that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made on-record statements asserting Iran humiliated the US. Per verification standards, a direct, attributable statement by a named head of government is considered reliable regardless of topic sensitivity. Variations in reported details (diplomatic vs. military focus) reflect different aspects of the same address and do not undermine the core attribution.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Both sources confirm German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly stated that Iran has humiliated the United States.
- Both sources directly attribute the remarks to Merz in the context of ongoing US-Iran tensions.
Where reports differ
- Pajhwok frames the humiliation around failed diplomatic negotiations in Pakistan, while RTA focuses on military clashes and Iran's strategic/political resilience.
- Pajhwok includes details about European non-consultation, German economic concerns, and a call to end the war, whereas RTA omits these in favor of discussing US exit strategy and escalation risks.
Filed by 2 outlets
Pajhwok
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
RTA
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Friedrich Merz, US-Iran tensions, Germany, Pakistan, International diplomacy
Reader supported
Keep Ehtebar running
Every published story uses paid tools to translate reporting, compare sources, extract claims, and produce a clearer read on Afghanistan. Reader support helps keep that work independent.
€5
helps cover daily verification runs
€15
supports a week of source comparison
€50
keeps independent analysis moving
More in International

Pakistan Deports 1,840 Afghan Migrants in One Day
— Reliable

British Deputy Foreign Minister Meets Afghan Women's Cricket Team and Urges Stand Against Taliban Treatment of Women
— Reliable

India Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes on Afghanistan, Reaffirms Support for Sovereignty
— Reliable

European Parliament Member Says EU Meeting with Islamic Emirate Carried Political Messages
— Reliable