German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on the sidelines of the G7 summit that Israel is executing the “dirty work” of targeting Iran’s destabilizing activities, but warned it lacks the firepower to destroy deeply buried nuclear facilities without U.S. aid.
Speaking to ZDF, Merz commended Israel’s recent strikes, saying, “This is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime… This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world”. He added that while the Israeli military has shown “great courage,” it lacks the necessary weaponry to neutralize hardened nuclear facilities like Fordow — capabilities reserved to the U.S. military.
Merz also emphasized that Israel’s offensive has significantly weakened Iran’s leadership, saying its nuclear program may face “complete destruction” if Tehran refuses new diplomacy. He stressed that diplomatic channels remain open, affirming Germany, France, and the U.K. stand ready to mediate should Iran return to the negotiating table.
