“If Iran Refuses to Negotiate, Its Nuclear Program Can Be Completely Destroyed” – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

“If Iran Refuses to Negotiate, Its Nuclear Program Can Be Completely Destroyed” – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Toronto, June 17 —

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that if Iran refuses to make any concessions regarding its nuclear program, the prospect of its “complete destruction” is now a subject of open discussion.

In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF on the sidelines of the ongoing G7 summit in Canada, Merz said, “The Israeli military does not possess the necessary weaponry to carry out such an operation. But the United States does. If it chooses to, it has the capability to completely destroy Iran’s nuclear program.”

This statement comes at a time when tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a critical level, with recent missile strikes and counterstrikes leaving hundreds dead.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had said that he seeks a “definitive end” to the Iran-Israel conflict and is working to ensure that Tehran ultimately abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In another interview, Merz added, “Iran’s leadership is now weakened by Israeli strikes. It seems unlikely they can return to their previous position. At this moment, Iran’s future is uncertain. We must wait and observe what the next steps will be.”

However, Merz hinted that diplomatic avenues are not entirely closed. He stated, “If new diplomatic opportunities arise, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom will be ready to assist in such talks, as they have done until now.”

Analysts suggest that Merz’s remarks reflect not only Germany’s position but also a broader Western strategy to increase pressure on Iran. Tehran’s nuclear ambitions have long been a source of concern for the international community.

This latest statement marks an escalation in rhetoric—especially as military intervention, rather than diplomacy, is now being openly discussed as a potential course of action.