Khaberni - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that he believes the Iranian leadership is living its "final days and weeks" as it faces widespread protests.
The demonstrations in Iran have shifted from grievances over severe economic hardships to calls for the overthrow of the ruling establishment in Iran.
Merz said during a visit to India, "I assume we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime," and questioned the legitimacy of the Iranian leadership.
He added, "When a regime can only maintain power through violence, it indeed signifies its end. The people are now rising up against this regime."
Merz stated that Germany is in close contact with the United States and European governments regarding the situation in Iran, and urged Tehran to end its repressive campaign against protesters, which has resulted in fatalities.
He did not comment on Germany’s trade relations with Iran.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that any country dealing with Iran would be imposed a 25% tariff on trade with the United States.
Despite significant restrictions, Germany maintains limited trade relations with Iran, making Berlin Tehran's most important trading partner in the European Union.
According to data from the Federal Statistics Office reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday, German exports to Iran dropped 25% to just under 871 million euros ($1.02 billion) in the first 11 months of 2025, representing less than 0.1% of total German exports.
