German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that Iran's theocratic regime is on the verge of collapse and can no longer survive without systematic violence. His words came at a time when Iran has been rocked for more than two weeks by widespread anti-government protests triggered by the country's dire economic situation.
„If a regime can only hold on to power through violence, then it is effectively finished. I believe we are now watching the last days and weeks of this regime,“ Merz said while meeting reporters during his official visit to India.
He also stressed that he wanted a peaceful solution to the escalating conflict. „I hope there is a way to end this situation peacefully. The Mullah regime must realise this too,“ added the German Chancellor.
Demonstrations in Iran have erupted in response to soaring prices, a collapsing currency, high unemployment and long-term international sanctions that are hitting the general population hard. The protests quickly spread to dozens of cities and grew into an open challenge to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the Oslo-based human rights organization Iran Human Rights, security forces committed massive violence during the crackdown on the demonstrators. More than 600 people have been killed and over 10 000 people have been imprisoned since the protests began. According to witnesses, arrests have often taken place without charge and including minors.
European leaders have responded by increasing pressure on Tehran. On Friday, Merz issued a joint statement with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the French President Emmanuel Macron, in which they strongly condemned the actions of the Iranian security forces. „We are deeply concerned by reports of violence perpetrated by Iranian security forces and strongly condemn the killing of demonstrators,“ the text states.
Head of European diplomacy Kaja Kallasová has meanwhile announced that it is prepared to push for tougher sanctions against Iran if the repression does not ease. At the same time, the debate in Germany has reignited over the inclusion of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps on the EU's list of terrorist organisations, a move long supported by Merz's conservative bloc.
Tensions have been heightened by the US President's announcement Donald Trump, who announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on countries pursuing economic cooperation with Iran. This move could further isolate Tehran economically, but also raises fears of further escalation.
gnews.cz - GH
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