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5 Feb 2026, 15:53

The German Chancellor downplayed the Iranian Foreign Minister's criticism of him on Thursday, February 5, stating that these remarks reflect Tehran's "nervousness and uncertainty."

Friedrich Merz, who is on his first trip to the Persian Gulf since taking office, did not specifically respond to the personal insults directed at him.

Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, accused the Chancellor on social media on Wednesday of "political naivety" and having a "disgraceful personality."

He wrote on X: "The Germans are a great people who have served humanity with their effort and ingenuity. Iran has always welcomed strong relations with Germany." He added, "Therefore, it is all the more regrettable that someone like Mr. Merz is now representing Germany on the global stage."

Araghchi's criticism came just hours after Friedrich Merz stated that if the Islamic Republic of Iran does not end its violence against its people and halt its nuclear program activities, it will face new sanctions. He added, "We are ready to increase pressure on Tehran."

The German Chancellor, at a press conference in Doha, the capital of Qatar, said, "Concerns about military escalation in the region are very high."

He emphasized that Iran must cease its role as a "destabilizing force in the region."

Mr. Merz called on Iran to "engage in dialogue, end aggression, halt its nuclear program in accordance with international agreements, and, most importantly, protect countries like Qatar, Jordan, and Israel from further military threats."

Friedrich Merz added, "Therefore, discussions will intensify in the coming hours," and emphasized that Germany is acting "in close coordination" with the United States.

The German Chancellor is currently on a three-day trip to the Middle East. He has met with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and is set to continue to the United Arab Emirates.
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Jean-Noël Barrot, the French Foreign Minister, announced that France supports all diplomatic efforts regarding Iran and any solution that secures France's security interests while respecting the fundamental rights of the Iranian people. He emphasized the urgent need for the Islamic Republic to accept the proposal for negotiations with the United States and called for serious concessions from Tehran on the nuclear issue, missile program, and destabilizing regional activities, as well as an end to the repression of the Iranian people.
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