Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the stalled US–Iran negotiations, saying the United States is being “humiliated” and outmaneuvered by Iran’s leadership.

His comments came after multiple rounds of indirect talks in Islamabad ended without progress, despite the Trump administration’s claim that it held leverage.

Iran recently proposed focusing negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz while postponing nuclear and sanctions issues, a plan mediators say is unlikely to satisfy US demands.

The broader standoff has escalated into economic pressure, including shipping blockades and worsening financial strain inside Iran, the Guardian has reported.

Meanwhile, Iran is seeking support from Russia as tensions continue to rise and diplomatic talks remain deadlocked.