Iran Responds to Merz: Germany Is Distorting Our Position

Iran has dismissed accusations by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and its support for regional allies, accusing Berlin of presenting a “deliberately distorted” narrative.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said it was the United States and Israel that started the war, while criticizing Germany for what he considered a lack of condemnation of the attacks.

Baqaei also rejected the description of Iran’s regional allies as “proxies,” arguing that they are independent actors with their own interests and calculations.

Tehran also denied it is developing a military nuclear program and accused Germany of backing Israel while trying to present itself as a supporter of peace.

Iran’s statements came a day after Chancellor Merz called on Tehran to end activities he described as destabilizing in the region, to stop support for third parties and to abandon the military nuclear program.

During a meeting in Berlin with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Merz also called on Iran not to expand the conflict into Iraq and demanded an end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.