German Chancellor predicts potential collapse of Iran's government

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stark prediction about the future of Iran's government, suggesting its collapse could be imminent. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Wednesday, Merz accused the Iranian regime of maintaining power through "brutal force and terror" against its citizens and declared it has lost all legitimacy to rule.

Accusations of Violence and Calls for EU Action

Citing international media reports, Merz claimed that up to 30,000 people may have been killed in recent anti-government protests in Iran. "It may be a matter of weeks, but this regime has no legitimacy whatsoever to rule the country," he stated. The Chancellor pledged that Germany would intensify diplomatic efforts to have Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) placed on the European Union's terrorist list, noting that only one or two member states currently hold reservations about the move.

Expressing Solidarity and Exerting Pressure

Merz positioned Germany and the EU in solidarity with the Iranian people, specifically mentioning the plight of women and protestors. "We want to exert maximum pressure on the Iranian regime," he emphasized. This hardline stance from a major European power marks a significant escalation in diplomatic rhetoric toward Tehran and aligns with broader Western efforts to isolate the Iranian government.

Context of Iranian Unrest and Regional Implications

Iran has experienced sustained protests since late December, initially sparked by economic grievances including a sharply devalued currency. The demonstrations have spread to several cities. Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel for instigating the unrest, warning that any foreign attack would provoke a swift and comprehensive response. For neighboring countries like Türkiye, which prioritize regional stability and diplomatic solutions, such volatile predictions and escalating tensions pose serious risks of broader conflict and humanitarian crisis.