German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that Israel’s recent strikes on Iran have “severely weakened” the Islamic Republic and that he does not expect Tehran’s leadership to regain its former strength. In separate interviews with German broadcasters Welt and ZDF on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada, Merz warned that, if Iran refuses to return to negotiations, “the complete destruction of its nuclear program” could be put on the agenda—a goal he emphasised Israel “cannot accomplish alone.” Merz praised Israel’s military action, calling it “the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us,” and accused the “mullah regime” in Tehran of bringing “death and destruction” to the world. He added that European nations are also affected by Iran’s policies. The remarks highlight growing European support for Israel amid escalating hostilities with Iran. Merz also reiterated during the media round that he stands by the decision to keep Russia excluded from what was formerly the G8.