"We will start a dialogue with Tehran"/ Merz: I do not want a division of NATO

At a press conference in Berlin on Thursday (09.04.2026), German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the Federal Government had decided to resume diplomatic dialogue with Tehran. "After a long period of silence, for which we had serious and well-founded reasons, we are now resuming talks with Tehran," the Chancellor said. We will take this step in coordination with the US and our European partners, Merz stressed. According to him, the aim is to contribute to the success of the ongoing negotiations to end the war in the region. To this end, the Chancellor will also hold a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who is mediating the US-Iran talks.

Germany has traditionally maintained relatively stable relations with the Iranian authorities in Tehran. This diplomatic experience is seen as an important basis for a constructive German contribution to international peace efforts.

"I don't want a breakup of NATO"

However, Merz was restrained in his criticism of US President Donald Trump. "As much as I understand the demands for a tough stance, let me say it here, at this moment: We do not want, I do not want a breakup of NATO," he said. "NATO is a guarantor of our security, and above all in Europe. We must continue to maintain composure."

Throughout the Easter weekend, according to the Federal Press Office, the Chancellor has been in contact with "all relevant actors" involved in the escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Among them is US President Donald Trump.

The fact that Merz had not spoken publicly on the issue until today has caused concern among many observers. Now, after welcoming the ceasefire agreed between Iran and the US, Merz explained: "The announcement of an unlimited escalation, which was publicly articulated in recent days, has been avoided for the time being."

Only after a question from reporters did Merz comment on the strong statements in US President Trump's ultimatum to Iran. Merz added what impression Trump's drastic remark had made on him: "I believe that he himself did not believe that a country like Iran could completely disappear. In my strong belief, it would not have come to this. This was part of his strategy in dealing with Iran."

While a fragile ceasefire prevails between Iran and the United States, Israel continues to strike targets in Lebanon. The chancellor also weighed in on this issue, saying that it fills him with great concern: "The severity with which Israel is waging war there could lead to the failure of the entire peace process. And that must not happen."

As early as the Wednesday after Easter, Merz had issued a short statement via email in which he spoke positively about the first agreement on a ceasefire between the US and Iran. He stressed that Germany would contribute "in an appropriate way" to guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. What exactly this meant, the chancellor did not clarify further.

Merz: German participation only with international mandate

At a press conference on Thursday, Merz was only slightly more specific about the German commitment: "I told President Trump again yesterday, during our telephone conversation, that we are ready to help after a peace agreement is reached, for example by securing passage through the Strait of Hormuz," he said. But Trump also knows this, Merz stressed: "It is important for Germany that there is an international mandate for such a commitment, ideally from the UN Security Council. In addition, a decision by the German Bundestag is also necessary."/ DW/ 

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