German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that the Iranian government is now in its "final days and weeks," delivering a stark assessment during a diplomatic visit to India. His comments come as widespread anti-government protests continue to pose the most significant challenge to Iran's Islamic Republic in recent years.
Scale of the Protest Crackdown
The protests, which began on 28 December over the collapse of the Iranian currency and a general economic crisis, have been met with a severe state response. According to the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, at least 648 protesters have been killed in the ongoing crackdown, with thousands more injured.
The regime has faced international condemnation for its tactics, which include mass arrests, widespread internet blackouts, and public warnings that participation in demonstrations could carry the death penalty. While mobile phones in Iran were reportedly able to make international calls on Tuesday, restrictions on internet access largely remain.
International Condemnation and Pressure
Chancellor Merz's statement underlined a growing international consensus on the regime's fragility. "If a regime can only keep itself in power by force, then it’s effectively at the end," he said, adding that Tehran lacks "legitimacy through elections in the population."
Meanwhile, the United States has ramped up economic pressure. US President Donald Trump has stated that any country trading with Iran will face a 25% tariff rate on trade with the US. While the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, noted that airstrikes were among the "many, many options" under consideration, she emphasised that "diplomacy is always the first option for the president." Trump's national security team is expected to meet to discuss the situation further.
An Unprecedented Challenge
The sustained nature of the demonstrations, sparked by economic discontent but evolving into calls for political overthrow, represents an unprecedented threat to the authorities. Videos from Iran have shown crowds marching in the streets calling for the removal of the country's supreme leader.
As the crackdown intensifies and international isolation grows, Chancellor Merz's prediction marks a significant moment in the global response to the crisis. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of both the protest movement and the government's hold on power.
