Iran Slams Germany Over Protest Forecast as Europe Summons Tehran’s Envoys

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Iran on Tuesday rebuked Germany for what it described as intrusive commentary after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz predicted that mass protests could end Iran’s leadership within “days and weeks.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, dismissed Berlin’s criticism as lacking credibility, accusing Germany of double standards on human rights. Writing on X, Araghchi said Merz portrayed Iran’s actions against groups he called “terrorists” as weakness, while backing what he described as Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza.

Araghchi also recalled Merz’s praise of Israel following June 2025 strikes on Iranian homes and businesses, and cited the chancellor’s remark that Israel was “doing Europe a favor” by carrying out its “dirty work.” The Iranian minister further criticised Germany’s silence over what he termed the United States’ “kidnapping of a Head of State,” urging Berlin to halt what he called unlawful interference in the region.

The diplomatic clash unfolded as European pressure on Tehran intensified. Iranian envoys are facing summons across the continent over the killing of civilians as protests enter a third week.

In The Hague, Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel confirmed that Iran’s ambassador had been invited to hear the government’s concerns over the excessive use of force. Van Weel called on Tehran to respect fundamental rights, restore internet access immediately and ensure accountability for violence against civilians.

Spain** also summoned Iran’s ambassador, with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares urging protection of civil liberties and continued dialogue. Similar démarches have been initiated by Belgium, Czechia and Finland.

At the supranational level, the European Parliament has barred Iranian diplomats from its premises, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas signalled that fresh sanctions against Tehran remain under consideration.