German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes the Iranian regime has been significantly weakened by the military strikes carried out by Israel. In an interview with the TV channel “Welt” at the G7 summit in Canada, Merz stated, “There are neither atomic weapons in Iran, nor will it continue to provide the same level of financial and terrorist support from this country.” He attributed Israel’s actions in weakening the Iranian regime.
Merz also sees a possible collapse of the regime in Tehran as a possibility. “I assume that the attacks of the last few days have already led to the regime being significantly weakened and it is likely that it will not return to its former strength and thus the future of the country is uncertain” he said. “This is something we must now wait and see.” The Chancellor noted that large parts of the military leadership and the leaders of the so-called Revolutionary Guards are no longer alive. “This will not return to what it was until last Thursday” he emphasized.
Merz does not expect Israel to request military assistance from Germany. “Israel has requested that we make firefighting equipment available in the event of possible blazes” he said. “We have immediately agreed to this.” The Chancellor added that there have been no further requests from the Israeli government and he does not expect any in the future. According to Merz, the Israeli army and the Israeli intelligence agency have shown what they are capable of. “I do not think that Israel is in need of military support from Germany” he concluded.