German leader Merz says Iran humiliated US
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- Merz said Iran had “humiliated” the United States in its war, a claim reported by Politico, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg and NewsNation.
- Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, halting Indian shipping and triggering a Bitcoin price surge, intensifying the diplomatic pressure Merz referenced.
- Germany sees its opposition leader publicly criticize Iran, marking a rare German political stance on the issue.
- Trump’s administration is under a judge’s rebuke in a national‑security case, highlighting domestic legal pressure as Europe escalates rhetoric.
Why it matters: Germany gains diplomatic leverage by publicly confronting Iran, while the U.S. loses prestige, potentially affecting trade negotiations and defense contracts worth billions and weakening its negotiating position in the region.
