Merts Supports US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities: ‘No Other Option’

The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merts, expressed support today (June 23, 2025) for the American strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities during the “Industry Day” organized by the German Federation of Industries (BDI). Speaking cautiously optimistic about no further escalation between Israel and Iran after U.S. involvement, Merts voiced concerns over the possibility of the Hormuz Strait being blocked. ‘There is no reason for us or me personally to criticize what Israel started a week ago. Nor is there any reason to criticize what the U.S. did last weekend,’ Merts stated in reference to the American strike. He acknowledged it wasn’t risk-free but emphasized that leaving things as they were wasn’t an option. The Chancellor also mentioned the attempted transfer of enriched uranium to other locations within Iran as a potential cause for the U.S. attack on nuclear sites, noting months or even years of evidence suggesting Iran’s intention to build a nuclear bomb. ‘Otherwise, no one needs such highly enriched uranium and installations located up to 100 meters deep for enrichment,’ Merts stressed. He added that Iran’s progress towards constructing a nuclear weapon could no longer be seriously disputed based merely on basic SME knowledge without requiring additional information. Despite his cautious optimism regarding conflict escalation given Iran’s current reactions, Merts warned that closing the Hormuz Strait would have indirect consequences.