German Chancellor Merz: I believe that the current Iranian regime is running out of time... When it can only maintain power through violence, it has actually reached its end.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made remarks on January 13, 2026, stating that the current Iranian regime "is running out of time," and believed that a regime that can only maintain power through violence has actually reached its end.
Regarding the large-scale protests currently taking place in Iran, Merz stated that it signals that the Iranian regime may be in its "last days or weeks."
Merz called for ending the conflict peacefully and said that Germany is closely coordinating with the U.S. government on the situation in Iran.
This statement reflects Germany's strong doubts about the legitimacy of the Iranian regime and its human rights situation, while also echoing the overall stance of Western countries to continue pressuring Iran.
While Europe is anxious about the U.S. occupying Greenland, Merz still took the opportunity to align with the U.S., backing up the U.S. for military intervention in Iran.
Background supplement: In early 2026, Iran experienced nationwide protests due to hyperinflation, currency collapse, and a crisis in people's livelihoods. Some traditional supporters of the regime, such as the business community and workers, also joined in, further escalating the situation.
Merz's comments were made against this background as a political judgment. However, Iran is a sovereign country, and its internal turmoil is its own internal affairs, without the need for external forces to interfere, give advice, or even get deeply involved. Merz is stoking the fire and causing chaos in this country.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854218508370956/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.