"Regime change" in Iran unlikely to succeed: Merz

BERLIN -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday voiced doubts about the feasibility of pursuing "regime change" in Iran.

Speaking at the F.A.Z.-Congress 2026 event in Frankfurt, Merz said that if regime change is the objective in Iran, "I don't believe they will achieve it. It has mostly gone wrong."

He noted that, apart from a few exceptions decades ago, the history of such interventions shows they often result in "the mere transition from one hostile regime to another."

Merz also expressed concern over the lack of a clear strategy from the United States and Israel, suggesting that both countries are becoming increasingly entangled in a conflict without a viable endgame.

He described the current situation as "threatening, not only for those affected but for all of us."

Merz has recently called for efforts to achieve a swift end to the war against Iran through diplomatic means, warning that the ongoing tensions are damaging all parties, including the United States.